The second year of "Rikizo Tokyo" has fully started in Okinawa. About a week has passed since the camp began on January 12. The outline of the style aimed for this season has gradually become clearer.
The feature of this season's Okinawa Itoman camp is that from the first day until now, the training content has been more practical and match-oriented. Two practice matches have already been played. In the first match against Nagoya Grampus, each player was given 30 minutes of playtime, aiming to wake up their bodies after the off-season.
For the upcoming match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on the 15th, the preparation was almost the same as for an actual official game, with a similar menu structure. During the match, the playing time for each player was slightly extended, giving each person 45 to 60 minutes on the field.
Amidst this, the team has dedicated a significant amount of time during training to reviewing build-up play. During the first week of the camp, each player focused on the tasks assigned by head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, such as how to vary the new formation and confirming positioning.
On the other hand, when it comes to whether those results were fully demonstrated in these two matches, that is definitely not the case. Soccer, of course, involves an opponent. Because the opponent is not a stationary mannequin, errors are inevitable. The remaining camp and the period until the season opener will likely be the time to overcome such challenges from here on.
That was already taken into account. Takahiro KO also said this.
"Last season, we had a really good camp, but after that, we struggled in the early part of the season. In that sense, I don't think it's a bad thing that various issues come up during the camp."
As the defensive midfielder who views the team from a broad perspective mentioned, the frequent practical training sessions have led to active discussions among players in close positions and within the same team. Each player shares ideas and continues to experiment while confirming challenges. At the center of this circle this season, not only is Takahashi often seen, but also new members Hayato Inamura and Kento HASHIMOTO. Both experienced Coach Matsuhashi's style of football during their time at Albirex Niigata, and their ability to clearly convey the coach's words is invaluable to both the team and the coach.
One of the features of this camp is also the energy of the young players. The four players promoted to the top team from the 2026 season—Divine OTANI, Yuta SUGAWARA, Kaede SUZUKI, and Kio TANAKA—each bring their unique personalities and invigorate the team with their lively play. There are also other energetic players. Kouta TOKIWA, who only appeared in seven league matches last season, has started to make his presence felt. Despite limited playing opportunities, the results of his solo morning training and double practice sessions are now beginning to bloom. TOKIWA himself has expressed his confidence in this progress.
"Since we are result-oriented, I am not satisfied with that at all. However, within myself, I felt a slight change, or rather, my sense for the connecting part that is required suddenly opened up. There was such a moment, and I was able to show a different side in the matches against Nagoya and Hiroshima. Through doing self-practice, I found places where I wouldn't lose the ball and where I could position it. I also came to understand where I should stand in relation to the opponent's distance, and suddenly it all became clear. But I have to make this my foundation."
The suddenly opened view inspires a desire for further growth.
"They might think it's good because I'm able to play in a way I never imagined before. Honestly, that's just the baseline. Being able to do that means I've finally stepped onto the (position competition) stage. It took a year, but I have to add something extra and produce results. Since I'm a defensive player, of course I need to win the ball back in defense, but I also have to deliver results in attack, like goals and assists. That alone won't be the decisive reason for me to secure the position with an 'It absolutely has to be me.' No matter what, I want to produce results, showcase my strengths, and at the same time, continue with my own foundation."
As more greedy players like this emerge, the team's competitiveness should also increase. The camp is now entering its final stages. Naturally, the experienced veterans who know the key points well will not remain silent. The 2026 season version of Rikizo Tokyo, which Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI wants to "strengthen further," continues to make steady progress step by step.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
