Yokohama F. Marinos defender Ikki Arai has earned a ‘Pro A’ contract after meeting the J.League’s minimum requirements.

The Chiba native earned his 450th minute of playing time earlier this month in the fifth round of the Yamazaki Nabisco Cup.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me in order to help me reach this point,” Arai said. “This is a new start for me so I have to continue working hard.”

Four of his starts have come in the cup so far, while he made his MEIJI YASUDA J1 League debut in April’s 1-0 loss to Shonan Bellmare.