is a Japanese former professional football player who played as a midfielder.
Known for his leadership skills and passing skills, Shoji has served as captain in three different seasons. He has appeared in over 400 career matches.
Career
On 24 January 2014, Shoji was announced at Renofa Yamaguchi on a permanent transfer. For the 2016 season, he swapped his shirt number to 10. Shoji won the April 2016 Meiji Yasuda J.League Monthly MVP award for his number of passes and highest pass success rate.
On 8 February 2017, Shoji was appointed captain ahead of the 2017 season. During the 2017 J2 season, he recorded 4,101 passes, the most in the league, and 901 more than second place.
In 2018, Shoji was announced at Vegalta Sendai on a permanent transfer. Ahead of the 2018 season, he was selected as a "player to watch" in the J1 League.
On 14 July 2018, Shoji was announced at Kyoto Sanga on a six month loan deal. On 19 December 2018, he was announced at Kyoto Sanga on a permanent deal. On 3 December 2021, the club announced that Shoji's contract would expire at the end of the 2021 season.
On 27 December 2021, Shoji was announced at FC Gifu on a permanent transfer. He was appointed captain ahead of the 2023 season, and was kept as captain ahead of the 2024 season.
On 12 November 2024, Shoji announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 season.
Style of play
He has been described as having "outstanding passing ability" by former Japan national team midfielder Hideo Hashimoto.
Club statistics Updated to end of 2018 season.Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "2017 J1&J2&J3選手名鑑 (NSK MOOK)", 8 February 2017, Japan, (p. 232 out of 289)Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "2016J1&J2&J3選手名鑑", 10 February 2016, Japan, (p. 240 out of 289) Club performance League Cup League Cup Total Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps GoalsJapan League Emperor's Cup J.League Cup Total2012Machida ZelviaJ2 League27010-2802013JFL280--2802014J3 League280--2802015Renofa Yamaguchi35010-3602016J2 League42430-4542017FC Gifu41520-4352018Vegalta SendaiJ1 League000030302018Kyoto SangaJ2 League20100-201Total22110703023110
References
External links Profile at FC Gifu Profile at Renofa Yamaguchi FC