Step by step, we have climbed the stairs from the J3 League. Accumulating over 30 official matches each year, we paved the way to the J1 League at the age of 27. The familiar name of the full-back for the blue and red stands on the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium, holding new dreams.
Q: First, please tell us your honest thoughts when you received the offer from FC Tokyo.
A, I was so happy from the bottom of my heart that I almost had tears in my eyes. At the timing of deciding whether to stay with Fagiano Okayama or transfer to another J2 League club, I received an official offer. I had been waiting for an invitation from a J1 League club, so I finally felt the path had opened and that all my efforts had been worth it. I made my decision without hesitation, and I was so full of emotion that I almost cried.
Q: Was there anything important you considered in making this decision?
A, aiming for the J1 League, has come this far step by step from the J3 League. I don't think I'm the kind of player who would choose this level on my own, so when I was approached, my mind was already made up.
Q: What kind of image did you have of FC Tokyo?
A, I have the impression that FC Tokyo's side backs have participated in every Club World Cup. As someone in the same position, I am happy to be called up from such a club. Right now, I have a strong desire to learn as much as possible.
Q: Have you ever faced FC Tokyo in practice matches or otherwise? Also, if you have any impressions of their soccer style or the coach from an outside perspective, please share.
A, we probably have never faced them before. I have a strong image of them carefully connecting passes and advancing to the front of the goal. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA left the impression of playing very interesting football during his time at Albirex Niigata. I wanted to play under him, and I thought he was a coach who builds good teams.
Q: I think you will be competing as a left back, can you tell me your strong points?
A, of course, I believe my interpersonal skills and running ability are strengths, but I think other players also consider those their strengths. In terms of something other players don't have, I believe my long throw is my unique weapon. Even when not in a set position, I am confident in throwing the ball low into the space behind the opposing center back. I think the long throw when the opponent is off guard is a strong point, and I have been using it as a weapon since around the fifth grade of elementary school.
Q: I think a tough competition for positions awaits after joining.
During the three years I spent building up in Okayama, I gained the confidence that I can do it too. Now, I believe I just have to go for it without holding back. Since this is my first time in the J1 League, I think there is no problem as long as I focus on my own play without worrying about those around me. I have that much confidence.
Q: I heard you also served as the players' association president in Okayama. You must have had a strong attachment to it, didn't you?
A, the players' captain role just happened to fall to me as a result of the previous captain transferring and the position sliding over (laughs). However, I believe I was able to build a good relationship with the supporters. I'm the type to respond when I receive messages, so I was often encouraged by various words of support. I really liked the town and the people of the prefecture. I also had the feeling of aiming for promotion to the J1 League next season not as an individual but as a team, but I thought opportunities like this are rare. I made this decision believing that the Okayama supporters would surely send me off warmly.
Q: Have you been in contact with your fellow townsman, former FC Tokyo player Shingo AKAMINE, or Kazumasa UESATO?
A, I contacted Shingo-san immediately when the offer from Tokyo came. His home is close to ours in Okayama, and just the other day we had a meal together; our families have been very close. When I told him, he said, "Congratulations." When I met Uesato-san, I also reported it to him, and he encouraged me by saying, "Go for it."
Q: What were your thoughts and impressions when you faced clubs in the J1 League?
A, When I played against Yokohama F.Marinos during my time at FC Ryukyu, Teruhito NAKAGAWA's play left a strong impression on me. Every season, on my profile, I would write his name in the section for players I disliked facing because of his incredible speed, which made me realize what the J1 League was really like. Now that I am teammates with that player, I feel very reassured. I had the impression that each J1 League player possesses the ability to break through critical moments, and I felt they were still far beyond my reach. However, I believe I have improved my level over this past year, so I am confident I can keep up.
Q: There has been talk of finally making this challenge, and as you reach the peak of your career at this age, this is your first challenge in the J1 League. How do you feel about this timing?
A, first of all, I want to aim to participate in the opening match of the next season. Then, I hope to be selected for the Japan national team in the E-1 Championship two years from now and work with the 4 years later World Cup in mind.
Q, a more specific goal.
I believe that much growth is possible at FC Tokyo. Kota MIZUNUMA also joined the national team after turning 30 before this World Cup, so I think it is an age where such opportunities can be seized. First, I want to aim to join the national team for the E-1 Championship.
Q: Is the excitement of this tournament influencing your awareness of the World Cup?
A, that's right. Considering my age, I believe the next North American tournament will be my first and last chance, so I have become more determined.
Q: Is there anything you want to learn from or be inspired by player Nagatomo, who made his fourth appearance at the age of 36?
A, I think he is a player who always takes the lead and speaks up in terms of mentality, so I want to learn the most important aspects of both his play and character up close.
Q. Although the reading of the name is different, it is a name that feels very familiar. Surely there have been times when you were mistaken for Yuhei TOKUNAGA.
A, Yuhei TOKUNAGA was also part of the Japan national team and participated in the London Olympics as an overage player, so of course I know him. However, from now on, I hope to make such an impact here that people might mistake me for Tokunaga.
Q: What kind of year do you want next season to be?
A, I decided to transfer because I truly want to contribute towards our long-awaited league championship. I hope we can make it a season where everyone ends with a smile.
Q: What impression do you have of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home from now on?
A, when I actually played a match in the J2 League or watched FC Tokyo's match on DAZN, I thought it was a great stadium with a strong sense of unity. I have also heard from Akamine-san that FC Tokyo's support is amazing, so I want to experience that passion firsthand as soon as possible.
Q, then finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters as a business card.
A, I definitely want everyone to remember the name Shuhei TOKUMOTO as soon as possible. People tend to call me Yuhei, but I want to show my performance so that they quickly remember and call me by my name, Shuhei. I look forward to your support from now on.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
