Genzo Wakabayashi, known internationally as Benji Price, hails from a wealthy Japanese family. His early passion for football drove him to secure specialized training resources, including personal coach Tatsuo Mikami. Mikami, recognizing Wakabayashi's potential to become the world's best goalkeeper, bestowed the title SGGK (Super Great Goal Keeper). During elementary school, he played for Shutetsu, demonstrating leadership by motivating teammates through high expectations. This included requiring honorifics from non-regular players, stemming from his desire to elevate their skills. He emphasized equality on the field, rejecting socioeconomic advantages in football. His initial rivalry with Tsubasa Ozora ignited during youth matches, their confrontations marked by mutual respect despite intense competition. At age twelve, he moved to Germany to join Hamburg SV's youth system. There, he endured bullying from teammates who targeted him with physical shots during training. His resilience caught the attention of Karl Heinz Schneider, sparking a lifelong rivalry and friendship. Living with a host family, Wakabayashi became fluent in German and eventually secured Hamburg's primary goalkeeper position. His practice match record against Schneider was narrowly favorable (49-50). During Japan's junior youth training in Germany, he insisted Japan needed Tsubasa Ozora to compete effectively against top teams like Hamburg. In a subsequent match against Japan, he allowed one goal to Kojiro Hyuga as acknowledgment of effort but criticized Hyuga's overall approach, triggering a conflict that led to Hyuga relinquishing the captaincy. Wakabayashi later joined Japan's U-16 team, serving as secondary goalkeeper to Ken Wakashimazu to foster team growth, though this role created internal tensions. Playing professionally for Hamburg SV during high school and beyond, Wakabayashi maintained exceptional performances but faced recurring injuries. These sidelined him during critical tournaments, such as the U-20 World Youth matches, where hand injuries inflicted by opponents Stefan Levin and Bryan Cruyfford prevented his participation until later stages. His goalkeeping style prioritized practicality over flair, focusing on fundamental saves. A pivotal moment occurred during a Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich; disregarding coaching instructions for a draw, he attempted a last-minute free kick. Its interception led to a counterattack loss and his suspension from subsequent matches. Despite setbacks, he continued representing Japan in U-22 and Olympic teams, recovering from an eye injury during the Golden-23 and Rising Sun arcs. After Japan's Olympic victory over Germany, he transferred to Bayern Munich to pursue UEFA Champions League success alongside Schneider.