#11 [Interview: Manaka Shindo] An Unexpected Way to Spend a Day Off!? Discovering the True Self of an 18-Year-Old Athlete

I was surprised by her transition from tennis to soccer.

Surprisingly, Shindo-senshu played tennis until the 6th grade. Influenced by her older brother, she started playing soccer, and while dedicating herself to futsal and soccer, she discovered the GK position. Her process of realizing the joy of 'stopping' the ball—despite originally running on the pitch as a forward—is truly refreshing.

She shares episodes that highlight the joy of being a goalkeeper.

When asked about the thrill of being a GK, Shindo-senshu smiles and says, 'The sense of achievement in the moment you make a save is the best.' You can get a glimpse of her true self and understand what this 18-year-old athlete feels every day on the pitch, including the behind-the-scenes of saves made against tough opponents and the fulfillment of contributing to the team's victory.

Getting to know the real 18-year-old makes you want to support her even more.

A certain event happens during the recording, so please enjoy that part as well. You will see a side of her that is bright and unpretentious, quite different from her dignified appearance on the field. Please listen to the full episode to hear more from this rising star.