Tochigi City has secured a key player for the upcoming season, announcing a contract extension for midfielder Junichi Tanaka Paulo on December 22nd. The renewal ensures Tanaka Paulo will continue to contribute to the club’s ambitions in the Meiji Yasuda J2 & J3 Century League, following a successful 2025 season where he tallied 11 goals in J3 League play. The team views his continued presence as vital for both stability and offensive strength moving forward.
Player Junichi Tanaka Paulo Signs Contract Extension
Tochigi City has announced the contract renewal of midfielder Junichi Tanaka Paulo, securing his position with the club for the upcoming season in the Meiji Yasuda J2 & J3 Century League.
Junichi Tanaka Paulo
■ Date of Birth: October 23, 1993
■ Height/Weight: 169cm/68kg
■ Hometown: Hyogo Prefecture
■ Position: MF (Midfielder)
■ Career History
Mita SC – Hyogo FC – Hyogo FC Jr. Youth – Salpa FC Jr. Youth – Osaka Toin High School – Kawasaki Frontale – Zweigen Kanazawa – FC Gifu – Renofa Yamaguchi FC – Matsumoto Yamaga FC – Tochigi City (2023~)
■ 2025 Season Statistics
・J3 League: 38 matches / 11 goals
・YBC Levain Cup: 0 matches / 0 goals
・Emperor’s Cup Tochigi Prefecture Qualifiers: 1 match / 0 goals
【Comment】
“When I joined the team, my goal was to return to the J.League, and I’ve achieved that. However, the support and encouragement I’ve received in Tochigi have far exceeded my expectations.”
“The cheers I hear daily at the stadium and throughout the city, along with the passion of everyone involved with the club, have pushed me to get where I am today.”
“I will work with the club to prove that even I can reach an even higher level on the pitch.”
Tanaka Paulo’s continued presence provides stability and experience to Tochigi City’s midfield, which is crucial for maintaining competitive performance in the J2 & J3 leagues. His impressive goal-scoring record in the J3 League demonstrates his value to the team’s offensive strategy.
