A more intense presence──
Determined to show a commitment to results
MF 8 Takahiro KO
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?
Takahiro KO has orchestrated the blue and red attack from the center of the pitch, creating rhythm for “Rikizo Tokyo.” Now entering his third season with Tokyo, he has resolved to aim higher by involving those around him in order to become a truly strong team. The special tournament where the club has clearly set winning the championship as its goal. Using the frustration from the 2025 season as motivation, he aims for significant growth both for the team and personally.
The decisive third season in blue and red begins. Finishing 11th in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, Takahiro KO turns last season's unfulfilled potential into strength and devotes everything to the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League.
It might be said that they carried a stronger sense of responsibility than anyone else. Overcoming the harsh criticism of the first half of the season, where it was bluntly stated that "this is not a team that can fight," they ultimately finished with six unbeaten matches. In the Emperor's Cup, they advanced to the Semifinal Round, feeling the growth of the team, but there were also many matches where they couldn't secure the results, leaving a sense of frustration.
"After the final whistle blew at the last match against Albirex Niigata, the feeling of 'It was a tough year' stayed strongly in my heart. Now, having spent the pre-season camp, I have been able to switch my mindset, but it was a very frustrating year."
At the press conference announcing the new structure for the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, the club clearly stated winning the championship as its goal. While this awareness is gradually spreading throughout the entire team and facing the current situation, Takahiro KO is looking ahead to what is expected of him.
"We must show a more overwhelming presence. The teams that win truly have strength. Coach Riki (Rikizo MATSUHASHI) has also set the goal of winning the championship, and we have no choice but to grow toward that goal."
The essentials are clear. Last season, even though the content was good, there were many matches where we couldn't secure the results, and there were times when confidence was about to waver. To seize victory at crucial moments and build up results, individual strength becomes indispensable, he emphasized.
"It is absolutely necessary to focus on the results in order to accumulate as many points as possible. Each individual must become stronger, and the team exists as a collective of those individuals. The current team needs strength that cannot be easily overcome."
What I want to show as an individual is a relentless desire to win. Taking the lead myself, I raise the passion of the blue and red by involving those around me. In the practice matches during the Okinawa camp, I was seen fighting in midfield wearing the captain's armband. I have also received advice from Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI to broaden my range of play, and I am determined to grow even further.
"I have always been told that if I can skillfully play the ball using space, my range as a player will expand even more. It's certain that if the defensive midfielder produces better stats, the team can rise higher, but I want to focus on the balance needed for the team to win rather than just that."
As a defensive midfielder, a player who leads the team. Takahiro KO, who sets the standard for the blue and red, radiates passion in the center of the pitch.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Takuro UEHARA (FOOTBALL ZONE Editorial Department)
