Manchester City and Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita on growing up beside the Tokyo Skytree, why she joined City and the Japanese flavours she misses most.
“FromwhereIlived,IcouldseeTokyoSkytreebeingbuilt,soitfeltlikeIwasgrowingupalongsideit.”Ayaka Yamashita
Last month, Ayaka Yamashita was named the world’s third-best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or. This weekend, she faces Chelsea’s 28-goal attack in the title showdown. Away from the pitch, the Japan international reflects on life in Manchester and the city she left behind
For Ayaka Yamashita, the thing that best reminds of home was a place of comfort, support and could be seen from her bedroom window.
Growing up in Japan, the Manchester City goalkeeper watched the construction of the Tokyo Skytree. As it slowly grew taller, Yamashita’s attachment to the landmark blossomed as it became one of the most recognisable features of the Tokyo skyline.
“From where I lived, I could see Tokyo Skytree being built, so it felt like I was growing up alongside it,” Yamashita recalls. “By the time it was finished I had developed a real attachment to it.”
Years later, Yamashita would find herself leaving the Tokyo skyline and embarking on a new chapter in Manchester.
The move to City was one she could hardly turn down, with one of her goalkeeping inspirations Ederson at the club.
“I’d admired the men’s goalkeeper Ederson for a long time, ever since I was back in Japan,” she says. “When I received an offer from City, I felt honoured at the prospect of being teammates with a player I looked up to.”
Moving countries can be daunting, particularly when the culture and language are different. For Yamashita, settling into life in England was helped by the Japanese players who had been in the squad.
Having teammates who could speak Japanese made the adjustment to England smoother as it gave her a sense of familiarity within the club.
“There were already Japanese players here before I joined, which meant my teammates knew about Japanese people,” she explains.
“The fact I had people nearby who spoke Japanese meant they could explain things to me if there was something I didn’t understand during meetings or regarding tactics, which made it easier for me to settle in.”
This support extended beyond the football pitch, with the goalkeeper admitting communicating in English was a challenge for her, but her teammates have helped her build confidence.
“In terms of language, especially English communication skills, it was a huge help when teammates could grasp what I meant even if I wasn’t able to express things using perfect grammar.”
And although her move to England has been hard at times, Yamashita also found similarities between England and Japan. With her citing that she has grown to appreciate the level of politeness in English culture – something she feels reflects the Japanese mindset she was brought up with.
Although not everything in England has been as similar as back home. When asked about the biggest culture shock she’d experienced, Yamashita’s answer was stunningly straightforward.
“I notice there are a lot of homeless people.”
Not only has she noticed a big problem facing England now but there have also been some unfortunate incidents during her time across the pond. Twice, once in London and once in Manchester, Yamashita has had items stolen from her.
“Things like hats and bags get stolen quite often,” she says.
Despite the differences in culture, there are certain foods from home that remain non-negotiable for Yamashita.
While embracing life in England and its cuisine, Yamashita still finds herself missing the flavours she grew up with.
“Of course that’s the norm back home, but with the food served here leaning heavily towards European or Western styles I find myself missing those Japanese flavours.”
Her teammates, however, have had the opportunity to experience a taste of Japan.
Yamashita has introduced them to meals including Takoyaki and hand-rolled sushi, while her teammates have returned the favour by introducing her to some of the best food the UK has to offer.
“I’m not sure if they were English or Scottish,” she laughs.
Away from football, living abroad has brought many positive changes. Yamashita says she has learned to become more relaxed about time since moving to England, taking a more calm and chilled approach to life.
Yet, despite finding a new home in Manchester, her love for her home country is still strong.
When asked where she would send someone visiting her home country, she pointed towards the country’s hot springs, specifically Wakayama. And for first-time tourists she recommends Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo’s Asakusa and Harajuku as well as the Tokyo Skytree as it holds a special place in her heart.
