Comic-enthusiast German goalkeeper discovers tranquility and self-identity in Japan

Svend Brodersen’s fascination with Japan began in his childhood. Now, the German goalkeeper resides in the country, affectionately dubbed an “otaku”—a term for those deeply engaged with Japanese pop culture.

At 27 and hailing from Hamburg, Brodersen has a Japanese wife, has mastered the language, and is contemplating furthering his studies at a Japanese university once he hangs up his boots.

“I believe everyone has a bit of an otaku within them,” Brodersen shared, sporting a T-shirt featuring the title of his beloved Japanese comic, ‘One Punch Man‘.

“Mine might not be that large, but it’s certainly present. It’s definitely there.”

Having relocated to Japan in 2021, he currently plays for J League side Fagiano Okayama. However, he admits to feeling “as if he were on another planet” when he first arrived.

“I couldn’t comprehend anything and it felt quite daunting,” he recounted.

“Yet, I also saw it as an incredible opportunity to discover my true self and the kind of footballer I aspire to be.”

Brodersen’s passion for Japan first blossomed through Pokémon and Godzilla films. He kicked off his career with St Pauli, his local club in the German second division, and even represented Germany’s under-20 team. Fortuitously, he was part of his nation’s squad for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, which had been delayed by the pandemic.

However, finding his footing at the club level proved challenging, prompting him to focus on broader life experiences.

Advice from Japan international Ryo Miyaichi, who was then his teammate at St Pauli, led him to secure a transfer to Yokohama FC, a J League club located near Tokyo.

Initially, he turned to Japanese cartoons and comics as tools for language acquisition, but despite his longstanding affection for Japan, he encountered significant cultural differences.

“On my first evening out for a walk, seeing all the dazzling lights and signs made me feel as though I were on another planet,” Brodersen recalled.

His appreciation of Japanese culture enabled him to assimilate, as he spent countless hours poring over comics such as Slam Dunk and One Piece to aid his language learning.

In 2023, he married his wife Kanae, and the couple welcomed their first daughter 18 months ago. At home, they converse in a blend of languages, and Brodersen now feels confident enough in his Japanese to give interviews with local media.

A Better ‘Keeper, A Better Person

After two seasons with Yokohama, Brodersen joined Fagiano Okayama last year, contributing to the team’s historic rise to the J League first division.

The club has started the current season strongly, sitting in the upper half of the table after just six matches.

Brodersen believes that his time in Japan has enhanced his skills as a player and instilled a sense of tranquility within him.

“In my younger days, my goalkeeping approach was very aggressive, often involving a lot of shouting,” he explained.

“However, upon arriving in Japan, I realised that this wouldn’t be effective at all.

“You have to consider whether this is truly the right style of play. That might be why I didn’t reach the level I aimed for.”

While he is uncertain about what the future holds, Brodersen is keen on pursuing Japanese studies at a university level.

For now, he delights in spending his leisure time wandering through Japanese gardens and enjoying life far removed from Hamburg.

Located in western Japan, Okayama is a city of approximately 700,000 residents, renowned for its stunning 16th-century castle.

“This journey in Japan has greatly improved me as a person, teaching me not to focus solely on myself,” Brodersen reflected.

“I’m now more engaged with my surroundings and the people who are part of my life.”