A Japanese footballer changed his destiny after arriving in Romania, where he was called to try out.
Takayuki Seto (40 years old), a footballer with over 360 matches in Romania’s top league, said that coming to our country offered him the opportunity he was seeking.
Takayuki Seto, close to 20 years in Romania
Seto always wanted to play football and was offered a trial in the 3rd League. That's how his adventure in Romanian football began in 2007, at Astra.
"I was in Japan working at a store, at a supermarket. And then a Romanian agent called me and told me to come to Romania to try out for the league. Since I was little, I wanted to become a professional player. That's all I thought about: becoming a footballer, coming to Romania to try out," Seto said.
At first, it was very difficult. Before I learned Romanian, I didn't understand very well, and it was very hard. In six months, a year, I learned. On my own, with a dictionary. I think it's easiest for me to speak Romanian. I've been here for almost 20 years now, and I've already forgotten Japanese!" declared Takayuki Seto, according to gsp.ro.
Champion with Astra, after living at the stadium in Ploiești
Upon arriving in Romania, Japanese Seto was given a room at the old stadium in Ploiești. He was accommodated by the club and continued to work towards his dream. "I can say that work is very important. Work is more important than talent. I don't have talent. But I always tried to work, and I think that's how I got to where I could reach," Seto added.
In 2014, Takayuki Seto won the Romanian Cup with Astra, and in 2016, the title of champion. He also played European matches for the team near the Danube.
Away from family
At 40 years old, Takayuki Seto continues his career at ARO Câmpulung, where he arrived in 2026 after parting ways with FC Argeș. The midfielder talked about how hard it is to be away from his family in Japan.
"It's hard to be away from family, from my wife, from my children. In summer and winter, at Christmas, I go home. I stay close to the children, play with them. We talk every day. Now the kids are grown up, each has a phone, they've learned to write and they call me," he said.
"Without football, I don't know if I can work elsewhere. I know how to play football and I want to earn money from football," stated Takayuki Seto.
Romania vs. Japan
After nearly 20 years in Romania, Takayuki Seto immediately noticed the differences between our country and Japan.
"People are more open here than in Japan," Seto added.
He also noted that life has become more expensive in Romania and compared the price of diesel. In Japan, Takayuki Seto claims, the price is half as much.
"Diesel here is almost 10 lei, two euros. There it's one euro! Many foreigners are coming to Japan now because life is very cheap there!" the Japanese player further stated.