“Our Nagakura” makes a full transfer with determination
"A player who can score and lead the team to victory even in tough times"
FW 26 Motoki NAGAKURA
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?
Motoki NAGAKURA, who joined FC Tokyo on loan in June of the 2025 season, has made a determined permanent transfer from Urawa Reds. He has officially become a member of the team. It is easy to imagine the excitement among the blue-red family, who had been hoping for a permanent transfer, as chants of "Our Nagakura" echoed. He showed performances that can be called a savior for the struggling team, and the background behind his big decision, as well as what he wants to achieve in Tokyo, are explored.
A versatile striker with all the qualities stands on the pitch as the ace of the blue and red. The good news arrived on January 3rd, after the new year began. When Motoki NAGAKURA's permanent transfer from Urawa Reds was announced, the blue and red supporters erupted in joy.
Last season's Meiji Yasuda J1 League was a struggle, with the team in 18th place in the relegation zone at the halfway point, Sec. 19. During the season, Nagakura joined on a loan transfer and made a great impact, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists in 14 official matches, helping to save the struggling team.
The savior makes a big decision.
"Playing for FC Tokyo gave me a good feeling as a player. When I thought about opportunities to play and places where I could perform well, I developed the desire to make a permanent transfer here."
Nagakura, who spoke about the circumstances of his full transfer, put on the blue and red uniform and said there is something he wants to achieve.
"There is the difficulty of a half-season. Even so, I want to aim to reach the top. I believe the only way to show that is through results. But I cannot achieve those results alone. As a team, we want to steadily accumulate victories, one match at a time. I have no experience winning a championship, so honestly, I don't know exactly what is needed. However, the strength to not lose is also necessary to advance and win. Even though I don't fully understand, I want to keep experimenting and striving to become a team that can win the championship."
To climb to the top, having something to pull you along is indispensable. It is precisely because of this awareness that these words were spoken.
"It's great when the team is doing well, but the best thing is to become a player who can score and lead the team to victory during tough times. That's what I want to aim for and work towards myself."
This season, reliable teammates have joined. Hayato Inamura and Kento HASHIMOTO, who fought together at Albirex Niigata, have become teammates once again.
"It's a plus that a player who passes the ball to me has joined, and since we already have good coordination, I think it makes things easier."
There is a favorite scenery for the uncommunicative goal scorer. They say the moment when Ajinomoto Stadium is wrapped in cheers is irresistible no matter how many times they see it.
"Whether I can succeed depends on myself. I am happy and I like to see the fans and supporters joyful when I score goals. I want to create many such moments."
The "Super Goal Machine" will once again wear the blue and red this season to delight someone, accumulating astonishing goals and victories.
Beyond that, the new ace in blue and red is surely waiting to take the title.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
