1/20 Training
On the 9th day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, two training sessions were held in the morning and afternoon. In the morning, the entire team trained at Nishizaki Athletic Stadium, and in the afternoon, the players were divided into three groups, each following a different training menu.
During the morning practice, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI especially emphasized the 'third player's movement.' In passing and control drills, he repeatedly shouted "Third player!" to make each player aware of their connections. In the subsequent game-style training, he gave an example of how to move the ball, aiming to make it a basic pattern while also trying to draw out alternative approaches by observing the opponent's positioning.
In the afternoon, the training for the day ended after grouping according to each person's condition and working up a sweat.
"Curious ○○ Asked to the Player"
vol.2 Kento HASHIMOTO
A project where we ask questions collected from OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members for the 2026 season to the players, called 'Curious About the Players'. This time, the 'Curious About' features Kento HASHIMOTO, who wears the number 18 in red and blue. We conducted a direct interview with him about the questions that caught our attention.
*Some of the questions received may have been edited or revised for formatting reasons. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: There are now two players named Kento Hashimoto. How do you distinguish between them? (Handle name: Oyanan-san)
A: We call them Hashi and Kento, but since people use different names, it still causes some confusion (laughs).
Q. What do you think is important to overcome high walls and difficulties? (Handle name: Momonga)
A. That's a difficult question... What I value is to keep doing the obvious things as they are. I believe there are various ways to make efforts because you need the power to continue and always challenge yourself. I always think about challenging new things, incorporating various elements, and growing continuously.
Q. Do you have any pre-match routines or superstitions? (Handle name: Jinny)
A. I used to have quite a few. But after going abroad, there were things I could and couldn't do, so I haven't been that strict about it. However, on the morning of the match day, I do take a walk, do a little running, and get my body moving early.
Q. How do you keep your motivation when training is tough or painful? (Handle name: Otama)
A. I always imagine my goals and the image I aim for. I believe that enduring hardships and tough challenges is necessary to reach that point.
Q. Is there a team you dislike facing as an opponent? (Handle name: Ringo)
A. I guess it’s Kashima Antlers. I always find their unique stadium atmosphere and their energetic style of play very challenging.
Q: Sliding tackles look cool. Do you specially include them in your regular practice? (Handle name: Yasha Kamon)
A: I think they appear more in matches. My characteristic is to seriously go for the ball right in front of me, trying to reach it a step earlier and stretch my leg a little to take the ball. The more excited I get, the more my leg moves forward.
Q. Please tell us how you spend days without matches. (Handle name: Doradora Tokyo)
A. I spend my days off with my family. I play with my children. I am hardly ever at home. I often go out with my family, moving my body and playing together with my children.
FOCUS ON - Today's Highlight -
Today's 'FOCUS ON,' selected by the official photographer, features this shot. Yuto NAGATOMO aims to become the first Asian player to participate in five consecutive tournaments at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 this summer. Beyond the steady, step-by-step efforts accumulated over the years, the dream stage he envisions awaits. He will turn 40 this September. No one knows what results await the man who has continued to fuel his reason for running and take on new challenges. Even so, Yuto NAGATOMO's daily life, defying the effects of aging, will continue this season as well.
A Moment Off
On the 8th day of the Okinawa Itoman camp, everyone spent their day off in their preferred places.
Groups who went out for sauna activities, and players who enjoyed sightseeing. There were also players who went to visit their families and former teammates.
They healed their fatigue from the camp in their respective places and recharged their energy to prepare for the second half of the camp from here.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
