Naomichi Ueda is a Japanese international central defender who brings physicality, pace, and modern defensive attributes to the Kashima Antlers backline. Standing at 186 cm, Ueda's career took him to Europe early, with spells at Cercle Brugge in Belgium and later in the French Ligue 1, before returning to Japan with Kashima. His European experience honed his game, and key highlights include solid performances in Belgium and earning caps for the Japanese national team in World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup. With Kashima Antlers, he has added domestic stability and is part of their pursuit of J1 League glory. His team honors include domestic cup victories in Japan, and individually, his performances in Europe raised his profile significantly. Known for his athleticism and ability to play out from the back, Ueda's style suits the modern game. In summary, he is a seasoned, internationally-tested defender whose combination of strength and technical skill makes him a key figure for both club and country as he enters his peak years.