Aya Shimokozuru

Early Life and Education

Aya Shimokozuru was born on June 7, 1982, in Nagaokakyo, Japan. She began her football journey in her youth, joining Matsushita Electric Panasonic Bambina, which later became known as Speranza FC Takatsuki. Her dedication to the sport led her to pursue higher education at Kansai University, where she graduated in 2005.

Club Career

Shimokozuru's professional career kicked off in 2004 when she played for Speranza Osaka. She later joined the Japan women's national football team the same year. After her initial stint with Speranza, she moved to Tasaki Perule FC, where she earned recognition as a Best Eleven player in 2005 and 2006. Unfortunately, the club disbanded in 2008 due to financial issues, prompting her retirement. However, she made a comeback in May 2009 with Speranza FC Takatsuki. In 2010, she transferred to TEPCO Mareeze, but the club was disbanded following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. She then joined Vegalta Sendai, where she served as captain until her retirement at the end of the 2013 season.

National Team Career

Shimokozuru's international career began in April 2004 when she was selected for the Japan national team for the 2004 Summer Olympics qualification. She made her debut on April 18, 2004, against Vietnam and was part of the squad for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Throughout her international career, she participated in the 2006 and 2008 Asian Cups and the 2006 Asian Games, accumulating a total of 28 caps for Japan until 2008.