Notice Regarding Expiration of Contract with Ryota Tagashira

Thespa Gunma hereby announces that the contract of Ryota Tagashira has expired, and he will leave the club at the end of the 2026 season.

Ryota TAGASHIRA [Position] DF [Date of Birth] February 7, 2002 (24 years old) [Place of Birth] Tokyo [Height/Weight] 170cm/67kg [Dominant Foot] Right [Career] Nerima FC U12 -> Nerima FC U15 -> Higashi Fukuoka High School -> Toyo University -> Thespa Gunma -> Nara Club (loan) -> Thespa Gunma [Appearances] Meiji Yasuda J2/J3 Centennial Concept: 9 matches/1 goal J2: 25 matches/1 goal J3: 16 matches/1 goal J.League Cup: 3 matches/0 goals Emperor's Cup: 3 matches/0 goals J.League Total: 41 matches/2 goals

[Player Comment] "As stated in the release, I will be leaving Thespa Gunma. Even though this is a path I chose for myself, I felt very frustrated and disappointed when I was told my contract would not be renewed.

Thespa is the club that guided me into the professional ranks. I feel I have grown significantly by playing under three managers—Mr. Satomasami (General Manager), Mr. Otsuki, Mr. Muto, and Mr. Oki—who brought me to this club.

Mr. Otsuki believed in my potential and played me from when I was a special designated player, teaching me the severity of professional football. In the middle of my first year, the manager changed to Mr. Muto; it was a difficult season, but he taught me how to manage my time and think as a professional football player.

Since last year, I played under Mr. Oki and felt my growth every day; he greatly expanded my positional understanding, the breadth of my play, and my potential. Especially this year, I feel I have grown significantly as both a player and a human being over the last six months. Since my playing opportunities gradually increased in proportion to that, it is very frustrating to leave the team.

I am grateful for all my encounters: the supporters who warmly welcomed me back after I had once left the team, the sponsors who continued to support me in any situation, the managers and staff who always put the players first, and my teammates who were like family.

There were many times since joining when things didn't go as I wanted and it was painful, but I was able to play with passion at all times thanks to the cheers of the Thespa supporters, which were warmer than the hot springs (onsen). I am truly glad I was able to start my career at this club.

Thespa will continue to be a special club for me, and I sincerely wish for the club's future success. I will do my best so that I can meet you all again somewhere! Thank you for the three and a half years, including my time as a special designated player!"