When Kyoga Nakamura first arrived in Singapore football in 2019, he did so in the colours of Albirex Niigata (S). Appointed club captain, the young midfielder wasted little time in making his mark, delivering a string of eye-catching performances that earned him a place in the Singapore Premier League Team of the Year, as well as a nomination for Young Player of the Year.

Yet for many fans, Kyoga is more readily associated with the chapter that followed. After leaving Albirex in 2020, he joined BG Tampines Rovers, where he went on to spend five formative seasons. Across 158 appearances in all competitions, he established himself as a key figure and a firm fan favourite, before departing in June 2025 for a brief stint with Bangkok United.

Those five years at the Stags were defining not just professionally, but personally. Kyoga became a father to two daughters, gained Singapore citizenship, and donned the Lions jersey for the first time.

So when the opportunity arose to join the Lion City Sailors, it was never going to be a straightforward decision. Given the deep bond he shared with BG Tampines and their supporters, and the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs, Kyoga found himself torn.

In the end, however, his desire to keep pushing his limits prevailed, as the midfielder put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the firm conviction that the Sailors can help him take the next step in his career.

“I spent almost six years at BG Tampines and made so many good friends there, so I thought hard about whether I should join the Sailors,” Kyoga admitted in his first interview after signing. “But ultimately, I want to improve and challenge myself as a player. I believe the Sailors will give me the perfect platform to do that, and that’s why I decided to come here.”

Kyoga’s hunger to succeed has been evident from a young age. A Chiba native, he was once regarded as a hot prospect in Japan and was part of the national side that featured at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. But with opportunities at the highest level proving hard to come by back home, Kyoga had no qualms about moving to Singapore seven years later to carve out a new path in his career.

That same drive was evident again last June, when he chose to step out of his comfort zone and seek a fresh challenge with Bangkok United. Trading familiarity in Singapore for one of the region’s most competitive leagues, Kyoga embraced the test, and while his half-season spell may not have caught the eye of some, it proved to be a deeply enriching experience.

In total, Kyoga made 17 appearances for the club, featuring in continental competitions such as the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup. He also netted a memorable long-range strike in a 4-1 Thai League 1 victory over Prachuap FC.

“It felt longer than six months, to be honest, because we played so many matches there,” Kyoga shared. “It was a tough situation because there are many quality players in midfield, both local and foreign. Even in training, you can feel how high the level is.

“But that taught me how to stay positive and how to handle difficult situations. It was a really good experience for my development as a footballer.”

Kyoga was born in Japan, but Singapore is where he now calls home, and where his heart firmly lies. He believes it offers the most supportive and stable environment for his wife and two young daughters, and that played a decisive role in his return to Singapore football.

“I was thinking seriously about my long-term plans, and from a family perspective, it made more sense for me to be in Singapore than Thailand,” Kyoga explained. “Most importantly, my family is happy with this choice, and we’re excited to start this new chapter together.”

With a strong Singaporean core already in the squad, Kyoga also admitted that keeping the move quiet proved challenging while paperwork and formalities were being finalised.

Kyoga, who counts Lions teammates Lionel Tan and Christopher van Huizen among his close friends, recalled, “Of course, I couldn’t say anything until everything was officially done. But a few players were already asking if I was going to join the Sailors, and I couldn’t give them any answers.”

Over the years, fans of Singapore football have taken to Kyoga not just for his technical quality and tireless energy on the pitch, but also for the infectious personality he brings off it. Always smiling and engaging with supporters, his positivity has become a defining part of who he is.

He will now bring those same qualities to the Sailors, where he is determined to be a positive influence both on and off the pitch.

“I have a lot of respect for the Sailors from when they were my opponents,” Kyoga said. “Now I’m really happy and confident to be part of this team. I know expectations are high at this club, but I love challenges.”

While not the loudest voice in the dressing room, Kyoga believes in leading by example.

“I’m not so talkative, but I try to lead through my actions, my behaviour and my attitude,” he explained. “I also like to help the young players improve, whether it’s before or after training.”

Fans will also be pleased to know that Kyoga will continue sharing glimpses of his life through his YouTube channel, which he started during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he begins this new chapter.

“I’ve already taken some videos here in Mattar,” he said with a grin. “I have fans in Japan who don’t really see how I live in Singapore. I want to connect with them, and ultimately, I hope more people become interested in the SPL and now in the Sailors.”

Kyoga will now spend at least the next two and a half years with the Sailors wearing the number 46 on his back, a choice that carries deep personal meaning.

It is the number worn by his late childhood friend, Wataru Nakayama, during their time representing their elementary school together. Wataru tragically passed away at the age of 10 in a traffic accident in 2006, which Kyoga learned only after reading about it in the newspapers.

“I decided to wear number 46 because it feels like I’m playing together with him,” Kyoga shared. “We used to talk about our dreams of becoming professional footballers, so he’s very important to me. Every time I step onto the pitch, I think about honouring him.”

As fate would have it, Kyoga’s Sailors debut could come against BG Tampines Rovers in this Saturday’s (10 January) Singapore Cup Final at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Kyoga admits it will be an emotional occasion, but insists he is fully capable of balancing respect for his former club with his responsibility to his new one.

“When I realised the match could be against BG Tampines, my first reaction was, ‘Wow,’” he said. “I achieved many milestones there and I still have many friends at the club, so of course there will be a lot of emotions.

“But now I’m really looking forward to facing them as opponents. I’m with the Sailors now, and I understand the expectations here are to compete for, and win, every trophy possible.”

Sailors fans also showed Kyoga plenty of love when the team faced Bangkok United away at True BG Stadium in December, a gesture that left a lasting impression on him and only deepened his excitement about pulling on the white and blue.

“I remember that game very clearly,” Kyoga said. “So many Sailors fans came all the way to Thailand to support the team. I was really surprised that they also cheered for me and called my name after the match, so I’m very happy that I can now play for them.”

As for what lies ahead, Kyoga is focused less on numbers and more on commitment.

“I don’t want to talk about how many goals or titles,” he added. “All I can say is that I will try my best every single day, on and off the pitch. I want to enjoy being part of this team and create many memorable moments together.”

And perhaps fittingly, the first of those moments could come this Saturday.