Q. After the announcement of your promotion to the top team, you were immediately loaned to Gainare Tottori on a developmental-type fixed-term loan before playing for the top team, and you were also loaned to Fujieda MYFC in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League on a developmental-type fixed-term loan. What kind of experiences did you have, and how do you honestly feel you have grown?
A. First of all, from my first season entering the professional world, I feel it was significant to train under professional standards and to be actively involved in matches. Of course, there are things you gain through practice, but actually playing in matches, competing in the professional world, and learning from opponents provided me with a great deal.
Q. In the J3 League and J2 League, where the style of play differs slightly depending on the category, could you please explain in more detail what you gained from your time at Tottori and Fujieda respectively?
A, at Tottori, I played as one of the three defenders at the start of the season. Since I played both center back and midfield during my youth days, being given the chance to experience a defensive position at Tottori, and then playing mostly in midfield during the latter half of the league, was a very significant experience for me. Regarding Fujieda, having moved up to the J2 League category, I received direct coaching from the manager, Mr. Toshiaki MAKINO, who had actually played at the top level. While at Fujieda, I played as a center back, so receiving guidance from someone in the same position was very valuable. The team was also able to conduct very intense training sessions, so I believe I was able to grow even more as a professional.
Q. How did you honestly feel when it came time to return to Tokyo at this moment?
A. When making the decision, I did have some doubts when thinking about my future, but after hearing from Tokyo, I ultimately firmly felt, "I want to compete with Tokyo this season," so I made the decision with the mindset of "Let's do this!"
Q. Hayato Inamura has joined on a permanent transfer, and there are also players like Scholz and Masato MORISHIGE. While you may feel the competition is tough, you also have the desire to grow there. How do you want to break into the team under these circumstances?
A, The defensive line is strong, and there are also many good players in midfield, so I think getting playing time is by no means easy. However, I want to carefully learn from watching the great senior players’ performances during practice, and rather than taking being on the bench or not playing for granted, I returned to play in matches, so I want to work hard every day in training with the mindset of taking a position.
Q. You also participated in the U-23 Japan national team’s Asian Cup and contributed with very composed play. Was there anything you gained from experiencing an international tournament?
A. I think it’s quite rare to have the experience of playing against overseas players in regular matches. Being able to compete against peers of the same age in a serious international tournament was truly a valuable experience for me. While I believe that simply being satisfied with this 'good experience' is not enough if I want to aim higher on the global stage, it was significant to realize the standards I need to meet and the areas where I must improve. Ultimately, we were able to win the championship, but I think it’s precisely because of that experience that I can move forward to the next step.
Q. How did FC Tokyo's performance during the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League period appear through Nagano's eyes?
A, I watched all the matches, of course. I felt that the intensity was really high and that Tokyo was embodying the style of soccer they want to play. Although they ultimately fell short of winning the championship, it was truly exciting to watch, and I strongly felt that they were thoroughly executing the intensity and the necessary aspects of the game.
Q. I believe you have a clear understanding of the style of football Tokyo aims for. When you actually step onto the pitch and become one of the 11 players, how do you want to showcase your strengths?
A, I believe that in today's soccer, individual intensity is demanded more than before. My strength lies in defense, but being able to contribute to the attack is also a strong point. In both defense and offense, I want to be thorough in winning the ball back in my area on defense, and on offense, I want to focus on connecting well to the front line to create chances as well as scoring goals myself.
Q. Are there any players you are looking forward to playing with?
A, I felt the intensity, skill, and talent of Sei MUROYA and Keito SATO, who play on the right side, even through video. Now that we are teammates, I look forward to playing together, and I believe there is much I can gain from practicing and playing alongside them.
Q. Ryunosuke SATO, who has been competing and improving together since the academy days, left the team for adjustments based on a transfer. What kind of honest inspiration did you get from seeing his appearance and performance?
A. First of all, I honestly think it’s amazing that he is scoring goals and producing results on the J1 League stage. This season, I want to also deliver solid results with Tokyo and show performances that can catch up to him. Personally, I want to become a defender who can outsmart opponents and make them think, "I don’t want to face him." I aim to enhance not only an absolute strength that anyone can see but also my own defensive commitment to stand out even more.
Q. Please tell us your goals and enthusiasm for this season at the end.
A, Since the category is also the J1 League and I have to compete in a more intense environment, I believe it won't be easy to secure a starting position. I will steadily build up what I need to do on my own and actively aim for a spot in the starting lineup.
