Q: What was the reason for joining FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi from ARTE Hachioji FC Junior?
A, I was approached by Tokyo and other clubs as well. I was unsure which to choose, but since a senior I know was at Musashi and I belonged to the Kanto League, I wanted to join a higher-level team, so I decided on Tokyo.
Q: Was your position on the side during middle school as well? Also, what were you conscious of while practicing and playing matches during your middle school years?
I played as a side and forward. During junior high school, I always gave 100 percent in every practice and focused on being able to participate in matches for the grade above mine.
Q: Was there a moment or period when you felt you changed?
A, When I was in the 2nd year of junior high school, I was coached by Yukihiko SATO. At that time, I was taught how to initiate dribbling and was allowed to play freely. I believe that being able to play freely at that time is the reason for where I am now. In the 3rd year of junior high school, I was coached by Makoto KITA. There was a period when I was troubled about my soccer career path, but we spent a lot of time talking together, and he was always there to support me. I believe the words from Coach KITA at that time greatly changed my life.
Q: Have you been consciously honing your dribbling skills since then? Were you fast on your feet back then?
A, I have been consciously improving my dribbling since junior high school. The way I dribbled back then was different from now; I used feints to get past opponents. From junior high to high school, I created my own training menus and incorporated areas I lacked into my self-practice while learning from coaches. Gradually, my speed and physical strength improved, and I became able to get past opponents by reading their timing without using feints. Gaining confidence led to the change to my current style.
Q: How did you feel when you were promoted to FC Tokyo U-18?
A, there was a period of about half a year when I couldn't play soccer due to an injury from the second to the third year of junior high school. I think whether I could be promoted was a borderline case even among my peers of the same grade.
Q: From what grade did you start playing in matches while belonging to the U-18 team?
A, from the first year of high school, I often practiced with the A team. I was also somewhat involved with the Premier League. From that time, I was confident that my dribbling skills were effective. The seniors were incredibly skilled during practice, and we were always able to train at a high level. Thanks to that, in official matches, since I felt the level was higher when practicing with the seniors, I was able to play with a calm mind during games.
Q: What were your goals during your three years of high school?
I was working every day aiming for promotion to the top team. I went to the field an hour before practice every day and practiced crosses with my left foot and shots from cut-ins, which were also my challenges. Naoki KUMATA was practicing crosses with me.
Q: I think there were situations where other youth members participated in the top team. How did you feel about that?
A, I always had the feeling that I would surpass them someday. I have a strong desire not to lose to my同期 members. I believe that the players who joined at the same time are rivals, but also members who can mutually improve each other.
Q: How did you feel when it was decided that you would be promoted to the top team?
A, I was really happy, but I thought I couldn't be satisfied just by becoming a professional. I felt that I had only just reached the starting line and needed to work hard from here on.
Q: Are there any players you look up to or specific things you focus on during your self-training?
A, I don't have any players I refer to. I play in my own original style. In my personal training, I focus on shooting practice because I lack finishing ability and tend to miss shots in matches. I also consciously continue practicing crosses, just as I have since high school.
Q: What is expected of you by Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA?
A, what is expected is goals and assists. I am often told to play boldly and with courage.
Q: What kind of play do you think about when you receive the ball during a match?
In a 1-on-1 situation, I first try to take the initiative. When there are two opposing defenders or depending on the situation, I may change my decision, but basically, I go forward on my own. Once I face the opponent's defense once, I can get a sense of it to some extent. Based on that, I adjust the dribbling course, speed, and timing. When I'm making a move, it's hard to put into words, but there are moments when I feel I can go through. Sometimes I get stopped while dribbling, and sometimes I feel uneasy about the next attempt, but for me, failure is natural, so I switch my mindset and play with the attitude of "It's fine as long as I can get past the opponent next time."
Q: Are there moments when you feel joy while playing or a sense of fulfillment?
A. I think everyone feels a sense of accomplishment and joy when they score a goal or make an assist. Of course, I feel the same way, but the moment I enjoy soccer the most is when I dribble past an opponent.
Q: Are there any players you dislike facing?
A, Hotaka NAKAMURA. Even in practice, he often gets past opponents when dribbling, but after getting past, NAKAMURA is very persistent in defense. I think his defensive skills are really excellent.
Q: You mentioned Keisuke Honda as the "football player who influenced you the most and the player you were most shocked to face in the past." What does Honda mean to you, Tawara Tsukita?
A, I chose him because he left the strongest impression and had an incredible presence during the Brazil World Cup. Although our types are completely different, I want to have that kind of presence on the pitch myself.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Japan national team and the 2024 Paris Olympics?
A, I hardly have any awareness of the national team. First and foremost, my strongest desire is to succeed with my team. That's the only thing I am thinking about. If I work hard in Tokyo, participate in matches, and perform well, I believe I will naturally be selected for the Japan national team.
Q: Recently, you mentioned concerns about your physical condition. Are you focusing on training specifically after practice?
A. I believe that if I can improve my physical abilities, I can aim even higher. When my body is bumped by an opponent, I often lose my body balance, so I am focusing on that area. Rather than increasing muscle mass, I am working on strengthening my core to stabilize my axis firmly.
Q: I believe you have been watching matches at Ajinomoto Stadium since your academy days. How did it feel to stand on the pitch yourself?
A, I had always been on the side watching from the stands, so becoming the one being watched was really exciting. My family also comes to watch the games, so I want to give back to them. Hearing the cheers from many fans and supporters gave me strength. When I first stepped onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, I was definitely nervous, but I felt that my dribbling was effective in some parts. However, I haven't produced any results yet, so I want to get involved in scoring goals and assists.
Q: What kind of year do you want the 2023 season to be? Please tell us your team goals and personal goals.
A, the team's goal is to win the league championship. My personal goal is to be involved in matches and perform well from my first year, like Matsuki did last season.
Q: Please say a few words to the fans and supporters.
A, the cheers from fans and supporters during the matches are a great source of strength. Sometimes I feel anxious when I play in a match, but hearing the cheers gives me energy and courage. I will do my best to meet your expectations, so please continue to support us.
