Q: This season, the club is undergoing significant changes. Have you felt any changes so far, Higashi?
A. When the coach changes, the team's rules change, and the atmosphere also shifts. Although it is different from the way things were done until last year, I think such changes are natural, so I am not particularly surprised. If you understand and can express what the coach wants to do, you will likely be utilized in matches, and I believe the tasks are clear.
Q: Even if there are changes, does that mean there is no need to brace ourselves that much?
Since I will no longer be the captain who has served for three seasons, it doesn't mean I won't think about the team, but I will be able to focus more on myself. I strongly want to direct my vector toward myself once again and refine my play once more. The camp provides a lot of time to face myself, and I feel that I have been able to have a very good camp so far.
Q: Until now, there have been many mentions about the team as captain, but I think I will talk more about myself from now on.
Being the captain was a great honor, and on top of that, I was fully committed to fulfilling the role given to me as a player, working hard towards my goals. I believe that feeling was reflected in my play, and conversely, when the team was not doing well, I took it upon myself as my own responsibility. I have a personality that tackles the responsibilities given to me with full effort; I absolutely do not want to cut corners and am the type to give my all and face challenges head-on.
Q: This year's captain is player Morishige.
A, before the season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA said he wanted to change the captain, expressing the intention to bring new stimulation to the team and create change. I also felt that the benefits I could bring to the team as captain were becoming fewer. When I first became captain, it was a big change, but as the years passed, it became normal for the team, and I thought the added value was decreasing. Honestly, being captain was tough in many ways, and after three years, I wanted to focus more on myself. Those three years were full of careful consideration and thinking deeply about the team. At first, when I was appointed captain, I think everyone was surprised, but as they saw me change, they switched on and I believe it became a motivation for them, thinking, 'That guy is working hard as captain.' Maybe it's just my own satisfaction (laughs). Now that I can direct most of my thoughts toward myself, I find soccer very enjoyable.
Q: There are comments during the camp that say, 'Player Higashi's expression is bright,' and he seems to be in great shape.
A. Right now it's fun, and on the contrary, I think Morishige must be having a hard time (laughs)
Q: Player Morishige served as captain until 2017, and since handing over the role, he has further improved the quality of his play.
A, one thing I can say without a doubt is that it is important to face things head-on without running away or avoiding them. Honestly, at first, I didn't really want to be captain, but even if I had avoided it and kept going, when moving to the next step, there would be no foundation built up. I believe that only after thoroughly confronting and persevering in the role of captain can you truly move on to the next step. Continuously facing it is really tough, but considering my future career, I think it was a rewarding experience. Now, I am personally excited to see how I can grow, and of course, there is pressure every year, and I believe I must play solidly as a player. However, since I will no longer be captain this time, I positively feel that an environment where I can focus has been created. I feel a bit relieved, and since the coach is also changing, I want to make a good fresh start. No one is guaranteed a position, so I thought I have to make an impression from the first day of camp, and I have no intention of taking it easy just because I am a veteran. I want to maximize what I can do and keep making my presence known. Ultimately, I believe that attitude will spread to the younger players and those around me, providing good motivation. Also, over these past three years, I think I have come to understand the atmosphere of a winning team and what is important, so I want to firmly apply that experience this year as well.
Q: I think there will be tough times for the team this year, and I believe that how player Higashi handles those moments will be very important.
A, I believe that regardless of being the captain, it is the job that I and the veteran players, who have accumulated experience, should do.
Q: How do you feel about the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for?
A. I find it very interesting. It may take some time to fully integrate, but once we can express what the coach wants, I believe we can showcase incredible football. The season starts in late February. While aiming for immediate victories, the key will be how we can pursue the ideal style of football. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's football has a dream behind it. If we can express the ideals that everyone admires from Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, it will be enjoyable both for the players and the spectators. I feel a strong determination to build a great team. I believe the challenge and goal is to win while making people feel that Tokyo football is exciting.
Q: With the focus on the team and individuals balanced, we can expect even more from player Higashi's performance.
A, I am the most excited myself, and having been captain for three years, to be honest, it is also true that I have had fewer opportunities to focus solely on myself. Until last year, even when I was in good form, if the team was not doing well, I sometimes felt as if my own play was not good either. This year, I want to focus a little more on myself.
Q: What is Higashi's goal for this year?
A, I don't focus on numbers. There are no specific goals or assists targets. My goal is always to direct my focus inward. I want to keep reflecting on myself and make this year one that leads to my growth. I believe that will ultimately benefit the team and help support it. I want to improve and refine my skills. However, I also think my strength lies in using my technique and broad perspective to utilize those around me so the team functions well. While doing that properly, I want to express a bit of ego. I hope that leads to a style of play that is unlike anything I've done before. Of course, I want to score many goals and aim for assists, but numbers come afterward, so I just hope to have good stats when the season ends.
Q: In this year's football, which requires skill, won't Player Higashi's skills shine?
A, we are trying to play soccer by firmly connecting the ball, and since the opportunities to touch the ball are definitely increasing, daily practice is really enjoyable.
Q: The aspect of running ability will also come into play, won't it?
A. I believe that running, fighting spirit, and the ability to persevere are indispensable in modern football. In that regard, I think everyone was trained under former coach Masaru HASEGAWA's football style. I believe that foundation is strong, so I hope we can build on it even further. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's football involves continuously moving the ball when the opponent comes at you, so it may take time to perfect, but I believe that if everyone can do that, it will become a very good style of football.
Q: Player Higashi always responded to interviews with a quick yes.
A, it might just be that I'm lazy or simply not interested (laughs). While I do trust my teammates, I feel that my personality is to believe in the person who consults me and respond to them sincerely and directly. When I was captain, I strongly felt that I needed to be interested in people, and I believe that, by nature, I have the ability to focus my energy when it really matters.
Q, on the other hand, there is also a strong mischievous image. (laugh)
A, when I was young, I might have been like player Ogawa (laugh)
Q: Player Ogawa will also respond to interviews without hesitation.
A, because he has a kind nature. The player we want to lead the team from now on is Ogawa. He has been with the team for a long time both in terms of age and tenure, and he is approaching the age I was when I became captain. At first, he might be teased by those around him, but courage to change is necessary. If he can overcome the initial hardships, I believe he will see a different world. I used to be the type of player who would come just before practice and leave immediately after. Now, I am the second to arrive at the training ground after Morishige and prepare. As I have gotten older, I have come to understand what is important, and that has naturally happened. I hope Ogawa will also gain various experiences and grow once again.
