After four seasons, returned to Tokyo.
The time spent fighting apart has surely strengthened myself, and the experience gained has become a solid confidence.
However, this return is not a goal but a starting line. With the match sense and experience gained in the J2 League, and the undiminished hunger in his heart, he will once again wear the blue and red emblem.
Q. How do you honestly feel now about being able to return after about four seasons?
A, over the past four years, I have truly had a variety of experiences. Of course, there were tough seasons, and there were also seasons where we were in 2nd or 3rd place, with promotion to the J1 League coming into sight. In that sense, I think these four seasons were very fulfilling. Once again, although it took some time, being able to play in Tokyo once more is honestly something I am happy about, as it is the club I have been with the longest since I was a child.
The four seasons on loan felt short in terms of experience, but when I think about my career, I believe it was a very significant event. Leaving Tokyo for that long is not something you can easily come back from, and this return feels like "finally standing at the starting line." Just because I have returned doesn't mean I have succeeded or accomplished anything yet, so I still see it as a milestone along the way.
In fact, I have seen many players who left Tokyo on loan to other clubs and then continued their careers at different clubs, and I have seen such releases every off-season. In that context, I feel glad that I have stayed true to myself. I think there are players currently out on loan to other clubs in the same way, but if I return to Tokyo and become a leading presence, I believe it will set a precedent that "you can come back and succeed again." I also have a strong desire to prove that.
Q. Of course, you have experience playing in the J2 League and have appeared in over 100 matches. Which part do you feel you have grown the most in?
Regarding skills and physical aspects, I think you can understand by watching the play. Through actually experiencing league matches, I went through various experiences such as games where no matter how hard everyone tried, we couldn’t win, or matches where despite everyone putting their bodies on the line and staying focused, we conceded goals in the last 5 minutes repeatedly. On the other hand, speaking of FC Imabari in the 2025 season, there was a period of 13 matches unbeaten from the start of the season. It’s hard to express in words, but I had many seasons where I could physically sense the atmosphere of either conceding a goal or successfully defending, even though it was a different category. I believe these aspects can only be developed through match experience.
Q. Is it more a sense that your game control and ability to read the match have improved, rather than just technical skills?
A, of course, in terms of skills as well, having experienced four teams and being able to play under various coaches, team styles, and with different teammates was a very significant experience for me. Each team has its own rules, and figuring out how to express my own play and bring out the best in myself and those around me greatly expanded the range of my play. I believe a good player is not one who can only compete with a specific tactic, but one who can adapt to various tactics, coaches, and situations. In that regard, I think I have acquired something very valuable.
Q. You played in almost every match for Iwaki FC and FC Imabari. How were these two seasons for you?
A. Both teams were within playoff contention until midway through the season, and although every match was a league game, it felt like a tournament. After each match, we immediately focused on points and rankings, always concerned about "how far we are from the top," and spent every game with that mindset. Being able to play in almost every match under that tension was very significant. In terms of fighting through the season, including physical condition, I believe I became an important piece. There were many areas where I could compete effectively, which also boosted my confidence.
Q. You have experienced four clubs and returned to Tokyo; how do you intend to establish yourself as a center back?
A, I was away for four seasons, but I have been watching Tokyo's matches all along. I think there have been various changes while I was not around, and there are atmospheres within the team that you can only understand by actually being there. However, I also have the impression that the team has not been deeply involved in the championship race. So, toward the goal that the club continues to pursue, I have to make it clear that the team has accelerated by my joining. I want people to think that I have become very hungry since returning to Tokyo, and I want to push up strongly from below. Playing matches in Tokyo and aiming for the championship are not easy, but I believe I have gained experience over the four seasons for that purpose, and I am not willing to give that up.
Q. How do you perceive the style of soccer that Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI aims for, and the current style of Tokyo?
I think they are a team that constructively builds the game. Within that, I feel it is a style of soccer that aims to further enhance intensity, attacking power, and ideas. For me, being able to defend solidly, move the ball, supply it, and create chances fits well with my style. I have experienced fast-paced soccer as well as careful, connecting soccer. I believe there are differences in sensation between watching from the outside and playing on the pitch, but I think it is important to make the most of my past experiences and absorb as much as possible.
Q. Omori's J1 League debut match was against Yokohama F. Marinos in the 2021 season (2021 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 35). How do the frustrations and memories from that day connect to the present?
First of all, I have the goal of returning to Tokyo and playing on the J1 League stage. At the same time, I have always wanted to face Yokohama FM again and secure a solid victory. That match left me with a strong frustration that I really couldn't do anything and that nothing changed even when I entered. Having experienced many matches so far, I have increased the parts of my game that are effective, but I also feel that the J1 League and J2 League are completely different competitions in terms of feel. In that sense, I am very excited to see how well my play will hold up in the J1 League.
Q. Including those feelings, you want to show it on the pitch as soon as possible, right?
Since it was decided that I would return, I have a strong desire to wear the Tokyo uniform and stand on the pitch. Returning to the familiar clubhouse and team is, in a way, refreshing for me. I am looking forward to carrying the Tokyo emblem on my back and fighting together with everyone to aim for the championship.
Q. Did you feel nostalgic when you reunited with the staff and related parties after a long time?
I was able to greet the staff who have taken care of me since my academy days, and once again, I felt that having the opportunity to show my play is very important. I want to continue with a sense of responsibility and enjoyment, knowing that my play influences not only myself but also those around me.
Q. Please share your enthusiasm with the fans and supporters.
First of all, I want to focus on the numbers and results, and clearly show visible growth. I believe this will definitely lead to achieving the team's goals. I am also looking forward to fighting together with the fans and supporters for the first time in a while, and I will do my best so that we can have many matches to celebrate together. Thank you for your support.
