Q: After joining Tokyo, please tell us what you have prepared during this period and what is being asked of you by Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI.
I believe that being involved in both offense and defense with high intensity is what is required as a defensive midfielder for Tokyo. First, I focused on getting used to that intensity during this period. On the offensive side, I am conscious of being involved with the ball more. I have gradually gotten used to the team as well. Since the only full-court match against an opponent was the practice game against Urawa Reds, I think I will improve further as I play more matches.
Q: How do you want to contribute your strengths to the team?
A, I believe my characteristics are somewhat different from the defensive midfielders currently playing in Tokyo. I think my style is to add an accent on the offensive side. While showing that, I want to play the role of a defensive midfielder by working hard as a team both offensively and defensively. Receiving the ball and connecting passes to the front line, moving forward, and on defense, firmly marking opponents to win the ball, and making plays that switch the team's defense on—I want to demonstrate these. Since a higher intensity is required, I want to get used to the playing intensity by gaining more match experience.
Q: You were unable to participate in the recent match against Cerezo Osaka due to contractual reasons, but how did you perceive the 90 minutes from player Harakawa's perspective?
A, I don't think it was the kind of match Tokyo had envisioned, but first and foremost, winning is important. Even if the team couldn't create a good form, I believe that a team that can secure a win is a strong team. How we behave on the pitch when we can't play the soccer we want is crucial. Even if we see it as just one way to win, I think it was a good match.
Q: You started your professional career after going through Kyoto SANGA F.C. U-18. Looking back at that time, what kind of player were you?
A, when I was with Kyoto, the team was in the J2 League and going through a tough period. Many players, including myself, were promoted from the youth team to the top team, so there were many young players on the roster. It is precisely because I competed and improved alongside players close to my age that I have been able to continue as a professional player until now. I believe it was good to have started my professional career in Kyoto. I began to get playing opportunities in my final season there, and although there were long difficult times, looking back now, I think that period was necessary.
Q: Please tell us your impression of the current playing style of Kyoto from the perspective of player Harakawa.
A, I have already played several matches against Cerezo Osaka when I was with them. In the beginning of both the first and second halves, they tend to apply man-to-man pressure. I think enduring and fighting well through those periods will be the key to winning or losing.
