Q: In what situation did you learn that you were selected for the Japan national team?
A, before today's practice, Yuto NAGATOMO told me, "Do your best," but at first, I didn't understand what he meant. I thought it might be about being selected for the national team, but I was wondering what it was. After practice, when the team gathered, General Manager Obara announced it, and I found out then.
Q: What did you think honestly?
A, to be honest, I thought it was about whether I could make it into the U-22 Japan national team. I never even considered the Japan national team, so I am still surprised now.
Q, do you have any feelings that are heightened by the challenge of the Japan national team?
A, I have the opportunity to practice regularly with Nagatomo, who has played on the World Cup stage. When practicing together, I thought that the World Cup is a stage for people like him. I am looking forward to joining the Japan national team activities because I believe there are many people like Nagatomo there.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show?
I believe I was selected because my team play was highly evaluated. Defending is a given, but I want to aggressively push forward in attack, which is my strength.
Q, Did you talk to player Nagatomo after hearing about the Japan national team selection?
A said, "So this is what you meant when you told me to do my best." At that time, I received very kind words from player Nagatomo.
Q: What kind of skills do you want to acquire through your activities with the Japan national team?
Being called up means that just going there is the worst thing. I want to play aggressively while focusing on actively producing results without becoming passive.
Q: Player Nagatomo was also selected for the Japan national team at the age of 21. He was selected for the Japan national team at the same age.
A, during the camp, Nagatomo told me, "I joined the national team at 21, so you have to join this year." When I was told about joining the Japan national team, that was the first thing that came to mind.
Q: Are you feeling excited?
A, I am surprised now. I am not very nervous, but since I was called, I am determined to do my best.
Q: Did you have a feeling that you would be called up to the Japan national team this year?
A, rather than a premonition, as with the U-22 Japan national team, I thought that if the team produced solid results, I would be evaluated accordingly. First and foremost, I played with the team in mind.
Q: Wasn't it necessary to secure a starting position in Tokyo as a preliminary step to being selected for the Japan national team?
A, The player in the same position who was active in last year's World Cup is right in front of me. I was playing with the sole focus of taking the position away from that player.
Q: I think that when the U-20 World Cup was canceled, you shifted your focus to the Paris Olympics. How do you feel about the difference between the age-specific Japan national team and the Japan national team?
A: Watching the previous Tokyo Olympics, the players who performed well there were also active in the Qatar World Cup. Seeing that made me feel the distance is close. U-22 Japan national team coach Oiwa often talks in front of the players participating in the U-22 Japan national team about the "Japan national team route to the Paris Olympics." Players aiming to compete in the Olympics are aware that they need to reach that level and play accordingly.
Q: When competing against the world, I believe the players we compare ourselves to will also be world-class players. Please share your thoughts on the stage of the world.
During the same period as the Qatar World Cup, I was involved with the U-21 Japan national team. We had matches against Spain and Portugal, which had a significant impact on me. Using that as a benchmark, I have been working hard, including during the camp, but I still feel I am not enough. I believe that unless I align my standards with the world, I won't be able to compete on the global stage like Nagatomo. I keep that in mind every day.
Q: What did you hear from player Nagatomo?
A, I will keep it to myself for now.
Q: It seems that Nagatomo played well in his debut match for the Japan national team and built his position in the team. Have you seen any footage from that time?
A, it is not certain whether this footage is from the first time he was selected for the Japan national team, but I have seen videos of Nagatomo's play.
Q, Do you feel anything about fighting as a member of the Japan national team?
A, Being passive is the biggest waste. I have nothing to lose, so since I've been called up, I want to go all out and take the position.
Q: What specifically was the shock you experienced during last year's European expedition?
Specifically, it was about physical strength and playing with the mindset that even if the opponent traps you defensively, it's okay as long as you can break free in one-on-one situations. Experiencing that changed my own standards.
Q: You give a calm impression, but this season I hear many strong words like 'aggressive'. Is this a reflection of your feelings?
A, this season I am focusing on being more proactive as a personal challenge. I hope to show more and more proactiveness.
Q: When analyzing your personality, would you say you are "calm"?
A, I think everyone probably sees me as calm. However, inside me, there is a part that says, "I absolutely don't want to lose here." I want to show that side even in the Japan national team.
