【Comment】
Hello everyone. This is Yuto NAGATOMO from FC Tokyo.
This time, I was selected for the Japan national team for the World Cup.
Since being selected, the memories of playing in the World Cup four years ago have come flooding back. Over these four years, there have been not only difficult and enjoyable moments but also many painful experiences. However, I have come this far with the determination to clear the regret from that experience in this Qatar tournament.
I have just been selected, so this is the starting line. I feel like I have finally reached the starting line. In this tournament, I want to do my best to contribute to the success of the Japan national team and to actively contribute to the team's results. I hope everyone will support us.
【Q&A】
Q: Based on your experience in three tournaments, what experiences does player Nagatomo want to utilize? What points should be noted when facing strong countries to achieve your goals?
A, that's right. First of all, I have experienced three World Cups, and of course, there are good memories from the World Cups, but I think there have been more World Cups where I felt frustrated. So, as I have said many times, I believe that frustration can only be resolved on the World Cup stage. The Russia tournament was the same, and I have come this far carrying the pain and wounds in my heart from those very frustrating experiences. I absolutely want to achieve the best possible result to heal that.
Since it is a team sport, it is important for the team to unite as one. Of course, not only the players on the field but also those who are not playing must come together as one in spirit for the team to achieve results. Drawing on my experience from three tournaments, I want to be the mental pillar for everyone, a kind of power spot that encourages and delivers energy, and I hope to be part of that as well.
Q: I think there were really tough times over the past four years, but which moments were the hardest for you, Nagatomo, and how did you overcome them to get to this point?
A, difficult things... well... I think the most painful thing was definitely the wonderful criticism from everyone. It was painful, but it also became energy, so I have always said that criticism is like gasoline, and that is truly the case. Conversely, those criticisms and the articles everyone writes have motivated me and ignited a fire in my soul. Also, by overcoming those hardships, I believe I have become mentally stronger. I have been trained by everyone so much that I feel like I might become a mental monster if I continue like this. I want to return that strength not only to myself but also to the team, and work hard to contribute to the team's progress.
Q: Although players Osako and Haraguchi were not selected, I believe that in the absence of such players, Nagatomo has a role in leading the team and conveying experiences that meet world standards. What do you think?
A, I was really surprised that two people were not selected, and since they are comrades who have fought together and overcome hardships, I feel very sad and disappointed. However, it might be an exaggeration to say it is the feelings of the two, but I want to do my best so that I can carry the hearts of the comrades who have fought together all the way to Qatar and fight together with them.
Q: Looking back, you participated in the World Cup for the first time with FC Tokyo, then went on to play for Inter Milan and Galatasaray, and now you will participate again as a player for FC Tokyo. It is quite rare to have changed teams this much, and as a field player, you are the first to be selected for four consecutive tournaments. Please tell us about this historic record.
A, my past evaluations and self-assessments have never been high, so I have never been satisfied. That is precisely why I have dreams and goals that keep me motivated. Also, in my first World Cup, I represented FC Tokyo, my beloved club, at the South Africa World Cup, and after spending 11 years abroad, I returned to this beloved club. Being able to participate in the World Cup, a global tournament, carrying the name of FC Tokyo fills me with great pride. Anyway, I want people to say, "Who is that guy? That 36-year-old runs like a monster. Which team does he play for?" I want the name FC Tokyo to spread worldwide through that, and I see that as one way to give back. That’s the level of performance I aim to achieve.
Q: You mentioned that the frustrating feelings from the last tournament have resurfaced, particularly regarding the last play of the match against Belgium. How have you connected those feelings of frustration since then?
A, I was filled only with frustration, so it has always stayed with me. Of course, it has even appeared in my dreams, and at unexpected moments, that scene — those 14 seconds, I believe — constantly comes to mind, causing me great pain. However, precisely because of that, I was able to work hard through the daily tough training, and even when my performance was lacking and I faced a lot of criticism, I was determined to reach that place and definitely prove everyone wrong. All of it is a painful memory, but it has become my driving force and I believe it connects to where I am now.
Q: If you participate, playing in the World Cup will mark your 12th appearance, setting an unprecedented record as the sole leader for the Japan national team. What are your thoughts on this?
A, how is it? Honestly, I don't really obsess over it that much. I think it's more about how much I can contribute to the Japan national team rather than the number of appearances I've made. That applies to the number 4 in the four tournaments so far as well; I'm not satisfied just by participating. Playing in matches at the World Cup and performing well for the Japan national team is everything to me, so I don't focus too much on those numbers.
Q: Please tell us your thoughts on participating in the World Cup at the age of 36.
A, even 4 years ago, I was often told I was quite old, but now 4 years later at 36 years old, I have been able to show that Nagatomo is still here. I am confident that the daily efforts I have made so far were not wrong. Also, I have come this far thanks to a lot of support, so I am grateful for that. By performing well, I believe the spotlight will shine on those who have supported me, so I will do my best to succeed.
Q: Player Kamada has also been selected from his hometown of Ehime Prefecture. Please share a word about your feelings for your hometown, Ehime.
A, I was raised in Ehime until I was 15 years old, and I really love the Saijo Festival. Even now, I watch videos of the Saijo Festival, and my children can sing the Saijo Festival songs. I have such strong feelings for it. I have heard that many people are supporting me in Ehime, so with the spirit of Ehime and the momentum of the Saijo Festival, and since I believe I became a festival man because of the Saijo Festival, I will do my best to give back in any way I can.
