A determined restart under the guidance of my mentor
Becoming a new offensive catalyst with a highly accurate left foot
DF 17 Hayato Inamura
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Hayato Inamura joined the blue and red team on a loan deal from Celtic FC in Scotland until June 30. Raised in FC Tokyo U-15 and having been coached by Rikizo MATSUHASHI at Albirex Niigata, the young center back chose to take on the challenge of the J.League again with the blue and red, carrying a strong determination to "grow once more under Coach Riki."
This is a determined restart. In Tokyo, where he was part of the academy, and under the coach who gave him the chance to advance, Hayato Inamura takes on the challenge to get his career back on track and regain his confidence.
Progressed from FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa to Maebashi Ikuei High School and Toyo University, and grew into a player who quickly attracted attention as a JFA/J.League Specially Designated Player at Albirex Niigata in the 2024 season. Officially joined Niigata in the 2025 season, and due to outstanding performance, completed a full transfer to Celtic FC in Scotland in the summer of the same year.
A transfer abroad just six months after his professional debut. He seemed to be steadily building his career after knocking on the door of a prestigious European club, but he only appeared in one official match for Celtic FC. Struggling to grow in training and reflecting on his situation, he resolved to make a fresh start with a loan transfer to FC Tokyo.
"I really felt a significant difference in skill level, and it was a half year full of thinking about what I should do. I still have regrets and feel some impatience, but I decided to transfer because I believe it is important to face myself honestly and focus on playing in matches now."
Wearing the blue and red uniform is something he has done since his time with FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa. At that time, he was a teammate who shared meals with players like Kouta TOKIWA, Leon NOZAWA, and Soma ANZAI. He says, "Back then, I was a small, passionate attacker. But since I hardly played in matches, I don't really feel like I'm returning." Still, there is no change in the fact that the blue and red blood flows within him. He received a love call from the top team he once admired, asking him to "come to win the championship," and chose this as the place for his fresh start.
In a team aiming to win the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, he himself says, "I want to become a member of a team that aims for the championship. Right now, I have a strong desire to truly play for Tokyo. I was carrying too much expectation from others due to my overseas transfer, so I want to focus on myself without worrying too much about what others say." While regaining his performance, he pledges to contribute to the team.
His greatest weapon is undoubtedly the precision of his left foot. In addition to build-up play, he becomes the starting point of attacks with both long and short passes. As a valuable left-footed left center-back, he is expected to play an important role in the style of football that "Rikizo Tokyo" aims for. Inamura talks about his own appeal points.
"Not only left-foot kicks such as build-up play and vertical passes, but also the ability to outsmart opponents is one of my strengths, so I hope everyone enjoys that as well. Of course, as a center back, I also want to impress in defense. I believe my speed, which won’t lose in a 'ready, set, go' race, is also a weapon."
Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI was the manager who gave him a chance during his Niigata days. Upon this transfer, he passionately said, "I want you to fight together again in Tokyo and aim higher. I don't think you are a player who will end at this level." And Inamura himself solidified his desire, saying, "I want to grow once again under Riki-san." This is also to reconsider his goal of joining the Japan national team.
First, a loan transfer until June 30. Although it is a short period, Hayato Inamura aims for a complete comeback with the red and blue, with the themes of winning the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League and fully regaining himself.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Takuro UEHARA (FOOTBALL ZONE Editorial Department)
