Win by focusing on the details at the 'edge'
Gain strong competitiveness and aim for the top
MF 22 Keita ENDO
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?
The 2025 season started off significantly delayed due to an unexpected injury. Although he ultimately made a comeback in terms of numbers, it was a time of regret for Keita ENDO. Amidst this, his play on the inside utilized his inherent scoring ability. What the team seeks in the upcoming special tournament is a strong competitive spirit. To become a winning team, the player wearing the blue and red number 22 is determined to shine on the pitch.
A major miscalculation had occurred. At FC Tokyo, which was trying to implement a three-back system, Keita ENDO, a strong candidate for the wing-back position, was injured just before the season opener. He was forced to take a break due to a dislocated right shoulder joint, and even after returning, he had to play while protecting his shoulder. Keita's words, "The shoulder injury was truly a miscalculation," were filled with genuine feeling.
"We were working on a three-back formation with a new approach that was also enjoyable. However, I think my absence caused difficulties in team building, and I feel sorry about that."
With the support and consideration from teammates during practice, recovery progressed smoothly. In the second half of the league, after the team switched to a four-back system, he scored 3 goals, totaling 5 goals. He matched the number of goals from the 2024 season in the league and regained playing time to a level comparable to the previous season.
"Since the team's style was not to free up the wing players to make plays, when thinking about the spot closest to the goal, the answer was definitely the inside. I wanted to play with that awareness and be involved in the goal from a position closer to the goal."
This effort has borne fruit. Personally, I felt a strong response, and combined with the premonition that "once we grasp one opportunity, the team can make a great leap," I decided to continue the adventure with the blue and red. Now in my third season with the club, I started with high motivation to achieve further evolution and results this season, and headed to the Okinawa Itoman camp.
First is the short-term Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. To secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite for the 2026/27 season, the focus is being sharpened even more.
"There are few matches to begin with, so it is necessary to stay focused until the very end to avoid dropping points. This applies to offense as well. We must recognize how valuable it is to catch up when we are behind. More than in previous years, the details and critical moments of the game become important."
Considering the penalty shootout held in the special tournament, a last-minute equalizing goal has the potential to change zero points to two. And the one to score that goal might be Endo's right foot.
"We pride ourselves on that competitive strength. I believe that if we can finish the season without injuries, we will be able to score a decent number of goals."
In a tournament with special regulations, there is room to leverage one's own strength. Therefore, just as every season, overcome the weaknesses that have been challenges, demonstrate the strengths originally possessed, and reap the fruit of victory. The target for jersey number 22 has been set. The time to bloom is near.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
