A Clear View Opened by Steady Self-Training
"I Want to Create a Reason That Only I Can Fulfill"
MF 27 Kyota Tokiwa
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?
Kota Tokiwa spent a fulfilling time at the Okinawa Itoman camp before the season opener. Although he was unable to deliver results or participate in the team during the 2025 season, the self-training he accumulated behind the scenes suddenly brightened his outlook. What did he think about during the difficult times, and what kind of efforts did he make? With that confidence, what path does he see for himself as he faces the new season?
Continuous effort does not betray.
At the Okinawa Itoman camp before the season opener, there was a player who showed remarkable performance. On the final day, Kota Tokiwa spoke joyfully about the fulfilling time he had.
"As I mentioned before the Okinawa camp started, I came to the Okinawa camp with the mindset of approaching each practice with the determination of an official match. I felt that I had to overturn the hierarchy in this camp, so I feel like I was able to start the season well. There were parts that I could be somewhat satisfied with."
In the 2025 season, he only appeared in seven league matches. There were long periods when he wasn't even on the bench, but he never stopped moving forward. To get playing time, he took the initiative to start morning practice and solo double training sessions. By steadily and diligently practicing the basics of "stopping and kicking," the door suddenly opened thanks to his relentless efforts.
"Previously, the place where I received the ball was bad, and I was flustered after receiving it. Through self-training, I was able to find a way to position the ball so that it wouldn't be taken away. I also came to understand where to stand in relation to the opponent's distance, and suddenly my vision opened up. I kept that very good feeling and practiced repeatedly in camp matches, and I was able to feel my growth. I have to base myself on this."
Because he found meaning in each day, he made significant progress the moment he grasped the essentials. As he gained more skills, his natural strengths, such as daring runs from the third line and ball-winning ability, shone even brighter.
"The vertical movement as a box-to-box player is my strength, and I have been required to create attacking opportunities. Not only do I drop down to create attacks with that balance, but by breaking behind, the opponent falls back, creating space. A good balance has emerged between my characteristics and what the team demands."
As the placement of the ball improved, my head naturally started to rise. I have also become better at demonstrating leadership by directing those around me with my voice, which is another one of my strengths.
"Being able to show leadership by speaking out is also one of my strengths, so I believe it is natural to direct the entire defense. While continuing to improve in that area, I consciously play with the awareness that by connecting in attack and moving my teammates ahead, it also makes things easier for myself."
Even so, Tokiwa is not satisfied at all. What he envisions beyond growth is leading the team to victory in official matches.
"Because I am able to play in a way I never imagined before, people might think it's pretty good. However, this just means I have finally stepped onto the field where I can compete. I am a defensive player, so unless I win the ball and then score goals or provide assists, it won't be a decisive reason to overthrow the main players and secure my position. I want to create a reason why it absolutely has to be me."
While continuing to grope in the dark, we grasped a clue. Beyond the suddenly opened view, an endless world spreads out. And in those eyes, the path to move forward is clearly reflected.
From there, just take one step at a time on those feet, moving forward while gathering reasons.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
