Mainz 05 officially announced on Wednesday that Japanese midfielder Sata Kawasaki has joined the club on loan from Kyoto Phoenix. He will play for Mainz until June 2026, and the contract includes a buyout clause worth 1 million euros.

According to Japanese media reports, Kawasaki Sata's rental fee is 200,000 euros.

The 23-year-old Kawasaki Souta grew up in the Kyoto Phoenix youth training system and made his first appearance for the first team in the Japanese J2 League on August 19, 2020. He mainly plays as a defensive midfielder and central midfielder for Kyoto Phoenix. So far, he has made 179 appearances, scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.

After completing the signing, Mainz sports director Nico Bongert said: "Kawasaki Sata is a very versatile player. He has outstanding skills, balanced ability with both feet, and a wide coverage. What impressed us most was that he was willing to constantly exert high pressure on the opponent in the frontcourt, which fits our style of play very well."

"We are confident that he will fit in well with the team, the club and the city both professionally and personally. He will become another Japanese player to make his mark in Mainz."

Kawasaki added: “I have been following Mainz 05 and watching their games last season. I really like their attacking style of play and their proactive high pressing. I can’t wait to wear the Mainz 05 jersey, practice their style in the game, meet the Mainz fans and experience the well-known and passionate home atmosphere firsthand.”