How Wataru Endo inspires soccer players in Japan with vlogs and a self-help book

No. Liverpool’s 3 covers pretty much everything in his life in regular vlogs and articles for subscribers to his own platform.

The father-of-four has also written what has been described as a self-help book called Duelsubtitled “30 Ways of Thinking That Don’t Need Right Answers.”

Captain of Japan’s national team and playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Endo uses his position of prominence to inspire others and set a path forward.

“He’s kind of a life coaching guru,” Simon Ta, YouTuber Liverpool fan in Japansays Liverpoolfc.com.

“A lot of players have done autobiographies and shared a lot of their playing careers through books. But in terms of the online persona, and really really sharing that detail and that personal stuff, I don’t remember anyone doing it to that extent. Endo does it.

“Endo has his own following and has made over 100 videos – some are incredibly long, an hour or two hours, and some are incredibly short.

“He really wants to share everything about everything so that anyone who wants to follow in his footsteps can see the reality, not the glitz and glamour.

“Through his vlog, he shows that ‘Don’t be afraid of where you come from, your stature.’

Endo’s journey is one of patience and perseverance. After starting his professional career at Shonan Bellmare, a spell at Urawa Red Diamonds, Belgian side Sint-Truiden VV and VfB Stuttgart paved the way for him to become a Liverpool player at the age of 30.

He had already started creating his content – ​​under the title Wataru Endo monthly – before it turns red.

The midfielder sought to fill what he felt was a void in the detailed analysis of football in his homeland.

Indeed, Endo will pull out his magnetic tactical boards to demonstrate the inner workings of a game he just played.

The Pick up the match the feature has become a must-see for those in Japan looking to improve their tactical understanding.

“It’s unbelievable that a footballer goes so deep into all the matches he’s played and everything he says is so interesting,” notes Yumiko Tamaru, secretary of the official Liverpool Supporters’ Club in Japan.

“I have never heard such detailed analysis of the game from other Liverpool players. I also find it amazing that he has (such) a good memory and remembers every detail very clearly.

“Both his blogs and videos go into the details of the matches he played in – how he played, what he was thinking and watching when he played, especially when he had to defend, how his teammates played, how he builds. the relationship with his teammates during matches, what Jürgen Klopp asked, what Pep Lijnders told him, how he values ​​his teammates, etc.

“I think he has a huge influence on many footballers in Japan and inspires them a lot.”

And then there are glimpses of his life away from the pitch.

Ta reveals, “Shinji Okazaki went to see a game and they drove home together and his mom was just talking to Okazaki!”

When Endo speaks, the people of Japan listen, given where he has come in soccer and as a leader of the national team. This was the case long before his move to Liverpool.

But becoming only the second Japanese player to represent the Reds’ men’s team (after Takumi Minamino) only enhanced his stature.

Devoted compatriots now regularly brave the morning sunrises, thanks to the nine-hour time difference, to see Endo shine in England.

Of the reaction to his transfer in August 2023, Ta recalls: “It was euphoria, it was in the news all the time. The coverage was amazing.

“Football magazines are still very, very popular here. The old format of collector’s books and leaflets and printed posters, Endo in a Liverpool uniform was everywhere.”