Masaya Okugawa is a shining example of how Japanese football talent has successfully moved onto the world stage. Over a ten-year journey through Europe, he evolved from a flashy, individual dribbler into a sophisticated space interpreter capable of scoring against the world’s best teams, including Bayern Munich. While his career has been hampered by several difficult injuries, his high technical skill and tactical intelligence made him a standout performer in the German Bundesliga. Now back where his career began at Kyoto Sanga, the 29-year-old attacking midfielder is using his European experience to lead his boyhood club into a new era.
At a Glance
- Full Name: Masaya Okugawa
- Date of Birth: April 14, 1996
- Place of Birth: Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Current Club: Kyoto Sanga F.C.
- National Team: Japan
The Story So Far
Roots in the Ancient Capital
Masaya Okugawa’s journey began in the Kansai region of Japan, where he first showed his natural talent for the ball at the Ayano Boys Club. In 2009, he joined the prestigious Kyoto Sanga youth academy, a place known for developing international stars. It was here that he earned the nickname “Koto no Neymar” (The Neymar of the Ancient Capital) because of his love for the Brazilian star’s flair and 1v1 skills. Although he later admitted the nickname felt a bit embarrassing as he matured, those early years of creative freedom shaped the high-level control he is known for today.
The Red Bull Education
After a brief but impressive start to his senior career in Japan, Okugawa was scouted by the global Red Bull network and moved to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in 2015. His time in Austria was a steep learning curve. He was sent on loan to FC Liefering and SV Mattersburg to toughen up and learn the high-energy gegenpressing style. These school of hard knocks years were vital in turning him from a lightweight winger into a disciplined professional.
European Nights and Bundesliga Success
Okugawa’s big breakthrough came during the 2019-20 season at Salzburg, where he played alongside future stars like Erling Haaland and Takumi Minamino. He became a vital impact sub, scoring nine goals in 23 appearances. His most famous moment came in the Champions League in November 2020, when he scored a brilliant equalizer against European giants Bayern Munich.
This success led him to the German Bundesliga with Arminia Bielefeld. During the 2021-22 season, he was the club’s top scorer with eight goals, proving he could thrive in one of the toughest leagues in the world. He became known for his incredible efficiency and his ability to arrive in the box at exactly the right moment to score crucial goals.
Overcoming Adversity and the Homecoming
The last few years have been a test of Okugawa’s resilience. A broken collarbone in May 2023 sparked a series of unfortunate injuries that ruined his time at FC Augsburg and a loan spell at Hamburger SV. Despite these setbacks, he chose to return to Kyoto Sanga in January 2025 to rediscover his best form. His homecoming has been a success so far, as he scored six goals in the first half of the 2025 season, showing that his technical quality and speed of thought are still elite.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
- Positioning and Movement: Okugawa is a classic Raumdeuter, or space interpreter. He doesn’t just stay on the wing; he drifts into the half-spaces between the center and the side of the pitch. He is a master of blind-side runs, moving behind defenders where they can’t see him to pop up in the box for a finish.
- Technical Skill: He is functionally two-footed, meaning he can pass, dribble, and shoot with either foot with great accuracy. He uses body feints and a low center of gravity to beat defenders rather than relying purely on speed.
- Defensive Work: Unlike many creative players, Okugawa is very hard-working in defense. He was trained in the Red Bull system to press intelligently, often winning the ball back deep in his own half to start a counter-attack.
- Weaknesses: His main struggles are in the air and in physical battles. He wins very few aerial duels and can sometimes be bullied by larger, more physical defenders if he doesn’t release the ball quickly.
Future Outlook
As Okugawa continues his 2025 season with Kyoto Sanga, his main goal is to stay healthy and maintain his rhythm. While he has to manage his fitness carefully due to past muscle injuries, he remains a key figure for the club. He is now more than just a goalscorer; he is a tactical leader who brings a decade of European experience back to help mentor the next generation of Kyoto Sanga players.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
- Austrian Bundesliga Champion: 2019/20, 2020/21
- Austrian Cup Winner: 2019/20, 2020/21
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Season | Club | Country | League Tier | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2015 | Kyoto Sanga | Japan | J2 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015/16 | FC Liefering | Austria | 2. Liga | 30 | 3 | 4 |
| 2016/17 | FC Liefering | Austria | 2. Liga | 34 | 5 | 6 |
| 2017/18 | SV Mattersburg | Austria | Bundesliga | 30 | 8 | 4 |
| 2018/19 | Holstein Kiel | Germany | 2. BL | 21 | 5 | 1 |
| 2019/20 | RB Salzburg | Austria | Bundesliga | 33 | 11 | 6 |
| 2020/21 | RB Salzburg | Austria | Bundesliga | 14 | 3 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | Arminia Bielefeld | Germany | Bundesliga | 13 | 1 | 2 |
| 2021/22 | Arminia Bielefeld | Germany | Bundesliga | 35 | 9 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | Arminia Bielefeld | Germany | 2. BL | 32 | 6 | 10 |
| 2023/24 | FC Augsburg | Germany | Bundesliga | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Hamburger SV | Germany | 2. BL | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024/25 | FC Augsburg II | Germany | Regionalliga | 8 | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 | Kyoto Sanga | Japan | J1 | 19 | 6 | 2 |
| TOTAL | ~284 | ~59 | ~41 |
