That left foot might be the very 'change' Tokyo has been seeking.
Embracing the expectations and determination behind the offer, Fuki YAMADA will bring a fresh breeze to the red and blue from the 2026 season.
The experience accumulated overseas and at Kyoto SANGA F.C. becomes the power to change the flow, bringing many opportunities and a clear difference with highly accurate set plays.
That left foot moves the game and changes Tokyo.
Q. Please tell us your honest feelings when you received the offer from Tokyo.
A, the passion of Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the head coach, and everyone in the strengthening department was truly amazing, and that was the biggest deciding factor. For me personally, I also felt that I might fit well with the style of soccer Coach Matsuhashi envisions. Ever since Mr. Matsuhashi was the head coach at Albirex Niigata, I had always thought "It looks interesting," and my own interest in watching that style of soccer was also one of the deciding factors.
Q. When you received an offer from Tokyo, what kind of expectations or words of evaluation did the club express to player Yamada?
A, first, I received an evaluation of the accuracy of my left foot. I heard that Tokyo has not been able to score from set plays this season. "Just having one player who can deliver balls that lead to goals or assists from set plays can completely change the team. That player fits perfectly with that left foot," I was told. I was happy that my left foot's threat was properly recognized in the evaluation of my play.
Q. You played for Portugal's CD Nacional in the early part of this season. In the second half of the season, you returned to Kyoto SANGA F.C. Was your desire to compete in Kyoto still strong?
A. Kyoto was in a championship race, and since I myself am a homegrown player from Kyoto's youth academy, I had a strong desire to be a piece that could lead the team to victory. Amid the championship battle, I had a strong wish to contribute in any way I could.
Q. You have appeared in 12 league matches. How do you look back on your six months in Kyoto?
A. When I first returned to the team, I felt more like "I've ended up back in Kyoto." Mentally, it was a difficult situation, but as I continued practicing, I was inspired by the passion of my teammates, and I believe my motivation grew. In the following 12 matches, although I didn't score any goals, I was given the role of changing the flow of the game as a substitute, and including the Emperor's Cup, I recorded 3 assists. While I was able to leave some visible numbers, it was also a season with the frustration of ending without a goal. However, I believe I proved that whenever I came on, the momentum definitely changed, and becoming a player who can change the flow even when coming on midway was a positive event and a sign of growth.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Tokyo from Yamada's perspective.
Including the goalkeeper, everyone is involved in the build-up, and it gives the impression that everyone is moving toward the goal while touching the ball. In fact, in the match against Tokyo during the summer this season, Kyoto won, but I remember it was very tough as Tokyo kept possession of the ball. If asked "What was the toughest match in the past six months?", I would definitely answer immediately that it was the FC Tokyo match, as they held and circulated the ball, making it a very hard game.
Q. Are there any players you remember from matches or have a close relationship with?
A, players like Megumi Sato, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Teppei OKA. Since we are of the same generation, we get along well. The player who left an impression on me in this season's matches is Motoki NAGAKURA. I simply thought, "He's really skilled." His plays that catch the opponent off guard and the way he receives the ball made his positioning troublesome for the opponents.
Q. You have a record of one match against Verdy during your time with the team. What was your impression of that match and the battles on the pitch?
In the first half of the 2024 season, due to the Paris Olympics, I was unable to participate in the matches, and it was in the second half that I first stepped onto the pitch. It was a home game for FC Tokyo, and since it was a night game, the performance including the fireworks at the entrance left a particularly strong impression. Including the atmosphere of the venue and the passion of the fans and supporters, I truly felt the determination put into this match. There are usually exchanges and greetings with opposing players before the game, but I remember that the atmosphere was tense for this match, so that kind of interaction did not happen. I had never played in such an atmosphere before, so I was very excited even before the match.
Q, how do you want to integrate your strengths with Tokyo football?
A, I believe I am probably the only one who can make a difference with set plays using my left foot and with stationary balls. I want to create that difference. Also, on the right side, I want to hold up the play, get involved with the ball, and show coordinated play with my teammates. The style of football that Coach Matsuhashi advocates, where everyone connects the ball, fits well with my playing style. Outside the box, I will carry the ball forward with simple passes, and when I break in, I want to make a difference with my left foot that leads to a goal.
I believe Coach Matsuhashi also expects quick reactions to crosses after breaking down the opposite side. He also said, "Among the players I've seen, Yamada is the best at that." I have been conscious of that kind of play myself and have played thinking it is one of my strengths. I want to show gritty, pressing play as well.
Q. From the perspective of increasing goals, especially from set pieces, I believe there are high expectations for player Yamada.
Rather than aiming specifically for goals or assists, I believe the numbers will naturally follow. Of course, I appreciate the expectations from those around me, but I don't pay too much attention to them. First and foremost, I know best that this is what I need to do and it is my greatest strength. I think it's best not to be overly conscious of it and let the numbers come naturally.
Q, the phrase in your joining comment, "There may be some who do not accept me at first," was very impressive.
A, last season, I was also a member of Verdy, and when we faced each other, there was a free kick situation. It was in a position close enough to aim directly, and behind the goal, FC Tokyo's fans and supporters filled the stands completely. When I set the ball and was about to take the kick, I was booed intensely (laughs). Of course, they were the opponents, so it's natural to be booed. Because of that, and also because some players who were at Verdy might have thought "an outsider has come in," I made such a comment. However, as I wrote in my joining statement, I will show it through results, so please look forward to it.
Q. Finally, please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, I believe FC Tokyo is a team that must win titles. To compete for the championship, we need this left foot and confident players like this. Together with our fans and supporters, we want to energize the club called FC Tokyo. I feel that the passion of our fans and supporters is top-class even across the entire J.League, and I am very much looking forward to feeling that passion as our ally. Please continue your passionate support.
