Kazuo and Masao Tachibana are twin brothers specializing in synchronized acrobatic and aerial soccer techniques. Initially forwards for Hanawa Elementary School (Akita prefecture), they wore jerseys 9 and 10, utilizing speed, combination plays, and illegal platform-jumping drills to enhance agility. Their aerial combinations threatened Nankatsu SC in the national qualifiers before defeat.
Continuing at Hanawa Middle School, they aimed to defeat Nankatsu nationally. When standard aerial techniques were countered, they developed the advanced Skylab Hurricane shot. Despite this, they lost in the quarter-finals. Selected for the All Japan Junior Youth team as midfielders, they collaborated with Hiroshi Jito to create the Skylab Twin Shot, scoring a key goal against Argentina. However, the technique caused injuries, and a failed attempt against France endangered Japan's position due to rules preventing substitution while injured.
Enrolling at Akita High School to strengthen their legs and loins, they prioritized the national team for the World Youth tournament over the J-League. After Japan lost friendlies to the Netherlands, coach Gamo dismissed them for perceived inability to play independently. Missing the AFC Youth Championship qualifiers for solo training, they returned with improved individual skills. During the AFC Youth Championship, they repurposed their techniques defensively as the Skylab Block and Skylab Tackle, effectively countering aerial threats like China's Fei Xiang. In the World Youth match against Mexico, their aerial play neutralized the "5 Aztec Warriors" until a deliberate foul by GarcĂa injured them, ending their tournament.
Professionally joining JEF United Ichihara, coach Kira repositioned them as a double volante (defensive midfield duo) in the Golden-23 arc. Their physically matured bodies could no longer endure the Skylab Hurricane's strain, leading them to seal the technique. Yet, against U-22 Australia, they insisted on starting as center-forwards to execute the Skylab Hurricane one final time. After receiving a centering pass from Taro Misaki, they scored flawlessly but were incapacitated.
All signature techniques require both twins: the Skylab Hurricane aerial shot, the Skylab Twin Shot performed with Jito, the Gemini Attack one-two passing maneuver, and the defensive Skylab Block/Tackle. In video games, these moves consume varying stamina costs, reflecting their high-risk nature.
Identical in stature, they stood 163 cm tall and weighed 53 kg during middle school. Kazuo typically operates as a right midfielder/forward, with Masao complementing on the left, though roles are interchangeable. Their synergy provides statistical boosts in gameplay when both are active.
Career statistics show inconsistency due to injuries and tactical shifts, including Kazuo's 33.33% win ratio in elementary school and 50.00% loss ratio in middle school national tournaments. They persist in refining their partnership and adapting their aerial prowess across offensive and defensive roles throughout their careers.
Titles
Kazuo and Masao Tachibana