is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre back for club Kashima Antlers. A strong and physical centre–back defender, Shoji is capable of covering and positioning using speed as well as his considerable strength and intensity in one on one. Club career Kashima Antlers Born in Kobe, Japan, Shōji started playing football when he was two years old, starting out in a forward position. His performance when he was in fourth grade playing against the sixth grade attracted attention from Fresca Kobe U12 (Hyogo Prefecture), who signed him. He joined Gamba Osaka Junior Youth during middle school and then Yonago Kita High School. While at Yonago Kita High School, Shoji switched to playing in the centre–back position, a position he played today. At first, Shoji was unhappy with the team's decision to switch him into the centre–back position, but over time, he accepted playing in the position. It was announced on 30 September 2010 that Shoji would be joining Kashima Antlers from 1 January 2011. Ahead of the 2011 season, Shoji was registered to the Kashima Antlers’ first team in January. He spoke about his expectations at his new club, saying: "In 2011, I want to work hard without losing, so that the directors and supporters can recognize me. I want to try out what I can do. I want to do my best to help my team." He first appeared in the first team for Kashima Antlers as an unused substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Suwon Samsung Bluewings in the AFC Champions League. From that moment on, Shoji spent months on the substitute bench, due to Daiki Iwamasa, Takeshi Aoki and Masahiko Inoha. It wasn't until on 12 October 2011 when he made his Kashima Antlers debut, starting the whole game, in a 2–0 win against University of Tsukuba in the second round of the J. League Cup. A month later on 16 November 2011 against Kataller Toyama, Shoji made another appearance for the side, playing 62 minutes, in a 2–1 win. At the end of the 2011 season, Shoji made two appearances for the side. In the 2012 season, Shoji continued to remain on the substitute bench, as Iwamasa and Aoki were the first choice centre–backs. It wasn't until on 24 March 2012 when he made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute, in a 2–0 loss against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.