1/17 Training
On the 6th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, practice was held at Kaigin Field Kunigami in preparation for the first training match of the season against Meiji University the following day.
On this day, while practicing build-up and defense, we emphasized to "look at the highest point" and made them aware of passes that reverse the opponent's press. Furthermore, we reviewed the training so far and confirmed the shape of drawing the opponent to the center and spreading out.
In the first external match of the new system, various players are expected to be used, and several combinations are likely to be tested. There is growing anticipation for the performance of new forces such as Marcelo RYAN, who stands out in practice, and Kento HASHIMOTO. Finally, "Rikuzou Tokyo" is set to unveil itself.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the sixth day of camp, Kei KOIZUMI, who turns 30 this year, was captured seeking advice from Keigo HIGASHI after the team practice. Since turning professional with Albirex Niigata, he has always closely followed Leo SILVA, saying, "I asked everything I could." This season marks the 12th year of his career that began in this way. However, he still burns with a desire to improve, seeking advice from both seniors and juniors. The unchanged essence of KOIZUMI and the kindness of HIGASHI in responding to him are conveyed through this photo.
CAMP VOICE vol.6 Tsubasa TERAYAMA
Tsubasa TERAYAMA sought a place to shine at Sagan Tosu midway through last season, spending an intense six months there. This season, he will once again don the blue and red. The first two years after turning professional were a time of waiting. This was all to spread his wings and fly even higher. We spoke with TERAYAMA, who honestly said he is feeling anxious, about what he experienced during his training at Tosu and his aspirations for this season.
Q: You were loaned to Sagan Tosu midway through last season. How was that half-season?
Right after moving to Tosu, I was immediately put in the starting lineup, and when the results didn’t come, I realized it wasn’t easy after all. However, I met various players, managers, and coaches, and I think my own awareness changed. It was only my second year, but it was the first time I transferred, and it was a half year where I truly felt there are many different kinds of players. Without a doubt, it was an intensely valuable time for me. I feel sorry that we were relegated to the J2 League, but I believe that my life in Tosu will definitely be useful for my future football career, and I feel I must make it so.
Q, I was able to score my first professional goal in the match against FC Machida Zelvia.
Q: In your second professional season last year, you were given a starting position in the match against Albirex Niigata. While you wanted to make your presence felt from there, you unfortunately got injured. You started with the goal of achieving results, but you also experienced setbacks like that. Injuries are part of soccer, but I was only thinking about how to climb back up from there. By achieving results, I wanted to show that my value is not just what it seemed. In that sense, the goal in the match against Machida was very significant for me. After that, I almost scored in the match against Nagoya Grampus, but the post was against me. Scoring that one goal helped me clear my mind, and towards the end of the season, I felt that my play was improving. However, this season is a different story. I want to compete with my current teammates and work hard without losing.
Q: How has knowing a different environment from Tokyo influenced you?
A, the environment was completely different from Tokyo. However, the club Sagan Tosu was one where the entire town united to fight together, and I felt it was a club supported not only by the players but also by the fans, supporters, and local community. I strongly felt that the people of Tosu look forward to the weekend matches because of the club Sagan Tosu, and that is a big part of their daily lives. I realized once again on a personal level that our job is to give courage and energy to those people. Although I am now with a different team, I want to make this a season where my performance reaches the people of Tosu as well.
Q, and the 2025 season of my third year as a professional begins.
A, to be honest, I am feeling anxious. Over the past two years, I haven't been able to accomplish much, nor have I completed any major tasks. I believe this third year will be a very important season, and I want to make it a season that brings change within myself. However, there are wonderful players, coaches, and staff here, and I feel joy in being able to work with such people. I want to focus on my growth and take it step by step.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
