Yoshihito Nakayama, locker room staffer for J-League first division side Shimizu S-Pulse, looks after not only the player's gear, but sometimes their feelings, too.

Kohei Hattanda, a 23-year-old midfielder who joined S-Pulse last year, recalls Nakayama, 48, lifting his spirits after he suffered an injury.

"He talked to me when I was distressed . . . and we became friendly," Hattanda said. "I fully trust Popo."