Interview with Morishita Jindo
We interviewed Morishita Jindo, a professional soccer player making his mark in Morocco.
Taking on Moroccan soccer while battling harsh conditions
Congratulations on your new challenge in Morocco. What are your honest thoughts now that the Moroccan league season has ended?
Morishita (surname only)
After suffering a serious injury—a torn anterior cruciate ligament—I was able to return thanks to the support of so many people. I also believe that I was able to take on the challenge in Morocco despite my injury because I received so much support and benefited from many fortunate connections.
In the end, I made my debut in the Moroccan league as a starter and helped my team win. The moment I scored a goal for the first time in about 400 days brought a joy beyond compare. I’m glad I kept playing soccer without letting a major injury defeat me, and I was happy to turn my challenges so far into achievements.
What did you find difficult about life in Morocco?
Morishita
It was difficult in ways that were different from what I experienced in Ghana and Zambia. Morocco is one of the more developed countries in Africa, so it didn’t feel as much like survival as it did in Zambia, where I experienced a culture of eating insects. But it took time to get used to the language and religious culture.
The official languages of Morocco are French and Arabic, and English is hardly spoken. To learn the languages, I first attended French and Arabic language schools three days a week each. At first, I couldn’t communicate at all.
It must have been unsettling enough not being able to communicate, and on top of that, you had an unfamiliar religious culture to adjust to.
Morishita
Yes. Since most people in Morocco are Muslim, I tried to live in accordance with local customs.
In Islam, there is an annual fasting period called Ramadan. During daylight hours, people are not allowed to eat or drink anything, including water. It was so harsh at first that I even passed blood in my urine.
When we arrived at the field for practice, they would first have us show the inside of our mouths to check whether they were dry. It was really tough not being able to drink during practice, but I guess people are adaptable. As I kept doing it, my body gradually got used to it.
I was also often confused by a Muslim cultural expression called inshallah. It means “if God wills,” and is used when making plans, for example, “Let’s meet at five, God willing.”
But it didn’t necessarily mean we would meet at five. Sometimes it would be 5:30, or we wouldn’t meet at all, so it was difficult to grasp the nuance.
Is it important to fit in with local life?
Morishita
I play as an attacking player whose job is to score goals, so coordination with my teammates is essential. I feel that everyday communication is extremely important for getting good passes.
During a match, if there are two players who could receive a pass, the player they’ll choose is the one they trust more—the one they think, “I’ll pass to him,” or “He’ll score.”
I’ve really come to understand the importance of immersing myself in Moroccan culture and daily life and connecting with local people.
Warm exchanges with local people who also supported him
Could you tell us about your interactions with your teammates?
Morishita
I clearly remember how happy I was when my teammates first invited me to eat with them. I couldn’t speak the language at the time, so we used translation services to get to know each other.
It’s hard to convey subtle nuances through translated text alone, but because my teammates made an effort to connect with me, I gradually came to understand each other, thinking, “Oh, I think this person is trying to say something like this”.
Now I’m able to speak more, so we can have deeper conversations. It seems my teammates even studied at an English language school for my sake, and I was truly happy that they made an effort to communicate with me.
Was Morocco different from Ghana and Zambia, where you lived before?
Morishita
Of course, each country has a different atmosphere, but I often feel that people in Morocco make an effort to meet me halfway even when we can’t understand each other’s language.
I also experienced the distinctive hospitality of Islam for the first time in Morocco. People invited me to their homes, shared meals with me, and so on.
In Morocco, once you’re welcomed into the group, many people treat you with such care that you feel like a member of the family. During the roughly 30 days of Ramadan, families have a tradition of eating dinner together, and I was invited to eat with a different family each time.
Sometimes they treated me, and sometimes I treated them. I was personally happy that we were able to build an equal relationship.
What motivates you to keep going in a foreign country?
Morishita
Through each of my actions, I receive more messages of support, and connections grow closer with my sponsor companies. It’s rewarding to see so many different things unfold, like a chain reaction.
Also, since losing my older sister, who had always supported me, I’ve continued to work hard at soccer while carrying her hopes with me. Doing it for my family is also a major source of motivation for me.
His goal is to represent Morocco. He is also devoting himself to promoting Japanese culture.
Could you tell us about your goals for the future?
Morishita
First, I want to work hard so I can compete as a representative of Morocco in the African Champions League in 2027. To do that, I need to transfer to a team that looks likely to be promoted to Morocco’s top division, so I want to perform well and get solid results.
I also have goals for my okonomiyaki business.
The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Morocco. The world’s attention will undoubtedly turn to Morocco, so I want to open at least 30 okonomiyaki restaurants in time for the event. I hope to spread Japanese culture around the world through Japanese food.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Morishita
While playing soccer in Africa, I’ve made many connections that came about because I’m from Kurashiki. I’m truly glad to be from Kurashiki, and I’m proud to have grown up there.
I’d be happy if you learned that a player from Kurashiki is playing in an overseas league and supported me, even a little. I hope you’ll come visit Morocco!
From the Writer
Morishita is making his mark as a soccer player in faraway Morocco.
I think many people are captivated by the way he embraces language barriers and cultural differences while earnestly pursuing soccer.
He has made many connections through soccer, and his activities have expanded considerably to include his okonomiyaki business and social contributions. After the interview, I felt that his connections with people are giving rise to his next challenges.
I look forward to seeing Morishita at the World Cup held in Morocco.
I hope to continue supporting Morishita as he shines on the African stage.
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
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