The banner that inspired us
We will surely come back and repay the favor
FW 11 Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who has been plagued by repeated injuries despite high expectations. In the 2025 season, he injured his left shoulder and was unlucky to injure his right shoulder in his comeback match. Even now, he is working hard on rehabilitation to return, and what has supported him is the banner continuously displayed at the stadium. We closely examined the feelings of number 11, who firmly receives the messages from fans and supporters and tries to look forward despite the pain.
Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA exhaled a long breath and swallowed it. He had spent his days repeating this, and now he turned his gaze inward.
Before the start of the 2024 season, he put on the blue and red uniform carrying great expectations. However, due to repeated injuries, he played only 12 official matches in his first season. Last season, when he aimed to overcome that frustration, even greater challenges awaited him.
"I entered the season intending to play in every match. I wanted to make up for the frustration of my first season after the transfer, but when the season started, it turned out to be an even tougher season than that."
Last season, he suffered a series of repeated injuries, including injuries to both shoulders, resulting in only 4 official match appearances, the worst since turning professional. The depth and length of his sighs must have increased. Even so, he rallied and lifted his head. What made him do so was the banner displayed in the stadium at all times that read, "We will wait for you no matter how many times, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA."
"I was disappointed in myself, and it became a season that made the fans and supporters feel the same. While feeling sorry, having the banner displayed made me feel like 'Let's do our best again.' No matter how tough the times are, we have no choice but to face forward and keep going. I am truly grateful for that, and that is why I want to give back."
Taking one step at a time on the road to recovery. Along the way, I no longer wish for too much. This season, Motoki NAGAKURA and Marcelo RYAN have moved to permanent transfers, and a battle for regular positions awaits with Teruhito NAKAGAWA, Megumi SATO, and the eager young players. However, he shakes his head and says, "It's a pathetic story, but I'm not at that stage yet."
"First, focus on yourself. Comparing yourself to others can wait until after you step onto the pitch. Even during my time at Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I was prone to injuries, but now they are far more frequent. It makes me think about various things."
Kokashi shook off the feeling of wanting to shut himself away by telling himself, "Blaming someone won't get me anywhere," and decided to face himself.
"I believe I can only do my best with what I am capable of. I have to focus on myself. Although I sometimes want to blame something else, I want to concentrate on what I need to do. Honestly, I might be different from those around me. First, I see it as a battle against injury, so I want to overcome that and show myself playing in matches. Since I will be there, I want to contribute to the team's victory. I want to prepare for that."
Maybe I don't expect much from myself. However, I have the energy that drives me. For the fans and supporters who have pushed me forward, I aim for the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium.
There was no hesitation in the eyes of the man who made that decision.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
