Shinji Okazaki Talk Event "Dialogue w/ Forum" Adds Former Urawa Reds Coach & Analyst Maiki Hayashi as Guest!

SYNCHRONOUS, a digital media platform operated by Japan Business Press Co., Ltd., which delivers insights from notable authors with a unique perspective in a deep and systematic manner, will host a talk event "Dialogue w/ Forum" with former Japan national team player Shinji Okazaki on Saturday, June 27th, in Ochanomizu, Tokyo.

What are the new trends in the football world indicated by the World Cup and European trends, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese football? In addition to Shinji Okazaki's mentor Kenta Hasegawa and former Japan national team striker Naohiro Takahara, Maiki Hayashi, who served as a coach and analyst for Urawa Reds, has been confirmed to make a special appearance. Shinji Okazaki will discuss the potential and future of Japanese football with these special guests. A Q&A session to answer questions from attendees and a autograph session will also be held.

◾️Event Overview

Shinji Okazaki "Dialogue w/ Forum" Real Event 2026

Date & Time: Saturday, June 27th, 13:00 - 18:30 (Reception opens at 12:00)

Venue: Ochanomizu, Tokyo Guests: Kenta Hasegawa, Naohiro Takahara, Maiki Hayashi

Speaker: Shinji Okazaki

Participation Fee: 4,400 yen (tax included) *Membership registration is required to participate in the event.

Details & Application >> https://www.synchronous.jp/articles/-/3529

Event Content 13:00 - 14:15 Part 1: Coaching Power in Japanese Football

14:30 - 15:30 Part 2: Data Power in Japanese Football 15:45 - 17:00 Part 3: Player Power in Japanese Football

17:15 - 18:30 Autograph Session *Content on the day is subject to change. The final schedule will be announced on the Forum details page.

Notes

* The event may be subject to time changes or cancellation due to the speaker's availability.

* Due to venue constraints, there may be a limit on the number of media outlets that can cover the event. We will contact you after your application is submitted.

Guest Profiles

Shinji Okazaki

Born April 16, 1986. From Hyogo Prefecture. Football coach. After attending Takigawa Daini High School, he joined J.League club Shimizu S-Pulse. He played a central role for the team and transferred to the prestigious German Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart in 2011. He played for 1. FSV Mainz 05 from 2013, and with two consecutive double-digit goal seasons, he joined English Premier League club Leicester City FC. He contributed to the "miracle" Premier League title win in the 15-16 season. He moved to Spain's La Liga for the 19-20 season and contributed to SD Huesca's promotion to the first division. From the 21-22 season, he played for Spanish second division club FC Cartagena. In August of the 22-23 season, he transferred to Belgian first division club Sint-Truidense VV. He retired at the end of the 23-24 season. He is currently the manager of FC BASARA MAINZ.

Kenta Hasegawa

Former professional football player and coach. His playing position was forward (winger). He served as manager of J.League club Nagoya Grampus until 2025. Hasegawa's appointment as Shimizu S-Pulse manager and Okazaki's joining Shimizu both occurred in 2005. He managed Okazaki for all six seasons he played at Shimizu. They share a deep connection.

ⒸOKINAWA SV

Naohiro Takahara

Former Japan national team forward who played both domestically in the J.League and internationally in Germany's Bundesliga and Argentina. He participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and recorded 23 goals in 57 appearances for the national team. After retiring, he is involved in club management as the representative and manager of Okinawa SV, a club he founded, and is also working to develop Japanese football through his coffee business "Okinawa SV Agri."

Maiki Hayashi

Studied sports science and cutting-edge analytical methods in England and Portugal, gaining experience as an analyst and coach. After returning to Japan, he served as General Manager and Manager for Nara Club, and in recent years, he was a coach, analyst, and defensive coach for Urawa Reds, contributing to their AFC Champions League victory and two Club World Cup appearances. He is one of the prominent young coaches in Japanese football, well-versed in data and analysis.