We are pleased to announce that Kei Chinen has transferred to Yokohama F. Marinos on a permanent deal.
Player Name
Kei Chinen
Date of Birth
March 17, 1995 (from Okinawa Prefecture)
Height/Weight
177 cm / 73 kg
Position
MF
Career
Kitakyū FC - Haebaru Junior High School - Chinen High School - Aichi Gakuin University - Kawasaki Frontale (2017) - Oita Trinita (2020) - Kawasaki Frontale (2021) - Kashima Antlers (2023)
Appearances
Domestic Competitions
| J1 | League Cup | J. League Centennial Plan | Emperor's Cup | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| 2017 | Kawasaki F | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | Kawasaki F | 27 | 4 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 4 | 3 |
| 2019 | Kawasaki F | 21 | 5 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 3 | 0 |
| 2020 | Oita | 29 | 3 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 | Kawasaki F | 22 | 4 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | Kawasaki F | 27 | 7 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | Kashima | 21 | 5 | 4 | 0 | - | - | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Kashima | 33 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 3 | 0 |
| 2025 | Kashima | 29 | 4 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 3 | 1 |
| 2026 | Kashima | - | - | - | - | 16 | 1 | - | - |
| Total | 213 | 36 | 12 | 4 | 16 | 1 | 20 | 5 | |
International Competitions
| Season | Team | Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kawasaki F | AFC Champions League | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | Kawasaki F | AFC Champions League | 5 | 2 |
| 2019 | Kawasaki F | AFC Champions League | 4 | 1 |
| 2021 | Kawasaki F | AFC Champions League | 5 | 4 |
| 2022 | Kawasaki F | AFC Champions League | 6 | 3 |
Comment from Kei Chinen
"I have decided to transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos. I am truly grateful for the three and a half years I spent playing for Kashima Antlers, the best club in Japan. There were many times when I felt my own inadequacy, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who supported me nonetheless.
First, I want to thank the scouting department for giving an inexperienced player like me, with no track record, the opportunity to play for Antlers, a traditional and top-tier team in Japan. Initially, it felt like I had come to a foreign country, but my teammates were truly unique, professional individuals who stimulated me every day. I'm also grateful to Coach Oniki, who always showed concern and spoke to me through good times and bad, as well as the other coaches and team staff. My thanks also go to the medical and clubhouse staff who supported the team behind the scenes, and the supporters who always gave passionate cheers and created the best atmosphere. I am truly indebted to so many people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Before joining, I had a somewhat intimidating image of the supporters, but now I see them as truly warm, deeply loving the team, and passionate. The atmosphere created by the supporters at Mercari Stadium is overwhelmingly unique, unlike any other team, and I never felt like we would lose. Above all, the atmosphere in the second leg of the playoffs, with such incredible support, gave me goosebumps and made me truly believe we could make a comeback. Playing in that stadium and having that goal-end crowd on our side was a truly happy time. Also, living in Kashima for three and a half years, I really grew to love the town. The entire town supports Antlers, and I was warmly encouraged by people everywhere, from my neighbors to convenience store clerks. I was delighted to interact with many people in this town, which is steeped in Antlers colors, and receive their support. In my private life, our family grew by two members while we were in Kashima. For my family too, Kashima has become an unforgettable and special place.
I have decided to take the next step and embrace a new challenge, but I sincerely wish for the continued happiness and development of Antlers. Finally, I want to thank everyone who displayed my number and banner, such as the number 13 jersey or towels, at the stadium. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who consistently supported me, whether we won or lost. I look forward to seeing you all again. Thank you for three and a half years."

