Announcement of Kei Chinen's Full Transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos

We are pleased to announce that Kei Chinen has completed a full transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos.

©KASHIMA ANTLERS

Player Name

Kei Chinen

Date of Birth

March 17, 1995, born in Okinawa Prefecture

Physical Stats

177 cm, 73 kg

Position

Midfielder (MF)

Career History

Kitagari FC → Haebaru Junior High School → Chinan High School → Aichi Gakuin University → Kawasaki Frontale (2017) → Oita Trinita (2020) → Kawasaki Frontale (2021) → Kashima Antlers (2023)

※Please check official website for appearance records.

Player Comment from Kei Chinen:

"I have decided to transfer to Yokohama F. Marinos. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have played and spent three and a half years at Kashima Antlers, a club I consider the best in Japan. Although I often felt my own limitations, I would like to express my deepest thanks to everyone who supported me throughout this journey.

First, I am deeply grateful to the club's management for giving a young and inexperienced player like me a chance to play for such a prestigious and top-tier team as Antlers. My teammates, who were full of personality and professionalism, gave me daily inspiration—even if it felt like arriving in a foreign country at first. To the coaches, staff, and managers, especially Coach Oniki, who always checked in on me during both good and tough times. To the medical and clubhouse staff who supported the team behind the scenes. And to the fans, whose passionate support created the best possible atmosphere. I am sincerely thankful to all of you. Thank you so much.

Before joining, I thought the supporters might be intimidating, but now I see them as warm-hearted, deeply passionate, and truly devoted to the team. The atmosphere at the Mewari Stadium, created by these supporters, was so overwhelming that it made us feel unbeatable. Most memorably, during the second leg of the playoff match, the energy in the stadium gave us real hope of turning the game around—it sent chills down my spine. Playing in that stadium, with the goal-end stands fully behind us, was an incredibly joyful experience. Living in Kashima for three and a half years, I also grew to love the town deeply. The entire community supports Antlers, and I was warmly encouraged everywhere I went—by neighbors, convenience store staff, and locals. Interacting with so many people in this Antlers-colored town was truly heartwarming. On a personal note, my family grew by two members after moving to Kashima. For my family, this place has become an unforgettable and special home.

I have now decided to take the next step and embrace a new challenge. Still, I will always sincerely wish for the happiness and continued success of Kashima Antlers. Lastly, I want to thank all the fans who held up my number 13 jerseys, towels, and banners at the stadium. To those who supported me through wins and losses, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you for everything over these three and a half years."