Ken Wakashimazu excels as both goalkeeper and forward, uniquely integrating karate into his football career. His journey began at Meiwa FC alongside close friend Kojiro Hyuga. Though initially slated for attack, he switched to goalkeeper to bolster Meiwa's defense. A car accident—where he injured his left shoulder and leg rescuing a dog—briefly sidelined him until Meiwa's crucial match against Furano, earning him the "Karate Keeper" moniker for his martial arts-inspired saves. He later joined Toho Academy with Hyuga and Takeshi Sawada. Pressured by his karate-master father to abandon football and inherit the Wakado Style dojo, they struck a deal: Ken could continue football if Toho won the national middle school tournament. As interim captain during Hyuga's absence, he led Toho to a co-championship with Nankatsu SC, securing his football future. In the Junior Youth Arc, he became Japan U-16's primary goalkeeper during European training. Karl-Heinz Schneider's Fire Shot overwhelmed him in a friendly against Hamburger SV Jr. Youth, aggravating a hand injury. Despite this, he guarded Japan's goal throughout the International Junior Youth Tournament in France. Italy's "Blue Lightning" passes outmaneuvered him, yet he persisted. Against Argentina, Juan Díaz netted a hat-trick past him, though Japan triumphed 6-5. In the semi-final penalty shootout against France, he stopped Louis Napoleon's decisive shot despite reinjuring his right hand, advancing Japan to the finals. The injury forced him to bench the championship match, replaced by Genzo Wakabayashi. Post-tournament, tensions flared with Coach Mikami over the U-20 starting goalkeeper role. Perceiving bias toward Wakabayashi's Bundesliga experience, Wakashimazu publicly quit the national team, joining Yokohama Flugels in the J-League. He later reconciled, acknowledging Wakabayashi's skill and accepting the backup role. During this period, he used his J-League earnings to support Hyuga's family financially. Later arcs showcased his versatility. Achieving 5th Dan in karate, he mentored disciples like Shun Nitta. Coach Kira repositioned him as a forward in the Golden-23 arc, fulfilling his original attacking aspirations. He scored against Nigeria using post-play tactics and maintained this role into the Rising Sun arc, forming a two-top striker partnership with Hyuga. His techniques consistently blend karate: - **Goalkeeping**: Signature moves include the "Triangle Jump" (propelling off goal posts for aerial saves), "Triangle Jump Knifehand Defense" (combining the jump with a karate chop), "Knifehand Defense," and "Front Rolling Kick" for shot-stopping and rushing out. He was the first to deflect Tsubasa's Drive Shot by sprinting along the goal line. - **Attacking**: As forward, he employs kicks like "Jumping Side Kick," "Vacuum Tornado Kick," and "Wakado Style Transforming Kick" (feinting kick direction). He executes the "Twin Shot" with Hyuga and cooperative plays like the "Wakado Style Combi One-Two" with Nitta. Reserved and disciplined, he demonstrates fierce loyalty to teammates like Hyuga and Sawada. Competitive pride fuels his rivalry with Wakabayashi, though he matures into accepting supportive roles. Early arrogance sparked conflicts—notably his U-20 team departure—but he evolves toward greater humility.