Hirosaki football players take orchard jobs to build careers beyond sport

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  Two football players in Hirosaki, Japan, are working in apple farming alongside league matches and practice to broaden their career options after sport.

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  Shota Shimogami works at Seino Farm, while Mamoru Kamisasanuki works for apple producer and seller Red Apple.

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  Their employers say the players bring extra workers and can help promote local apples and agriculture.

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  Hirosaki, Japan’s largest apple-producing city, faces a shrinking and ageing agricultural workforce.

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  The city government has held seminars since fiscal 2025 to encourage people from sports organisations and other groups to enter agriculture.

Who

Blancdieu Hirosaki FC players Shota Shimogami and Mamoru Kamisasanuki.

What

They are working in apple farming while playing football, aiming to build career options beyond sport.

When

Kamisasanuki began in May, and Shimogami began in August; both joined the team in 2026.

Where

Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan.

Why

They want to explore agriculture as a career after football, while local farms face a shrinking and ageing workforce.

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