Training commenced in preparation for the opening of the J.League in the first year of the season transition.
On that day, strong rain had been pounding the pitch at Kodaira Ground since early morning, but by the time the players appeared, the rain had stopped, and the players and staff preparing for the new season lined up in front of the fans and supporters who had come before training.
First, President Eisuke Shirai, who newly assumed office in July, gave a greeting, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI clearly stated the team’s goal: "A trophy for Tokyo. We aim for every title we can win." Representing the players, Hayato Inamura, holding the microphone, also strongly declared that the team’s target is to win the league title.
Kim Seung-gyu, who participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a member of the South Korea national team, was absent for rest, but Kaede SUZUKI, who accompanied the U-19 Japan national team on their North and Central America expedition during the off-season, joined the team. Keito SATO, who was substituted midway through the first half in the last match of last season, also participated in the team training from the beginning, bringing some positive factors as the training began.
Since individual training had already been undertaken, we quickly moved on to drills using the ball that focused on practical match situations. While improving cardiovascular fitness through small-sided mini-games, the players also reacquainted themselves with the feel of kicking the ball.
The team will continue training at Kodaira Ground until July 12, and then undertake a training camp in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, from the 14th to the 25th.
Comments from Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q. What kind of team do you want to build this season?
A. We want to fight in our own style, in a way that is true to who we are. Within that, it is crucial from the very start of the league season to once again cling to the top positions, maintain a high ranking, and aim for the championship. This season has many consecutive matches, so we want to prepare well to be able to fight through from the very beginning.
Q. You finished in 4th place in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. Could you tell us what you gained last season and the areas you want to build upon this season?
A. I believe the players also feel a strong sense of progress, and it’s about how we continue to build up the quality aspects through daily training. Of course, there are parts we cannot definitively say will go a certain way, but as I mentioned earlier, there were consecutive matches, and in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, there was a back-to-back series against FC Machida Zelvia in April, resulting in one win and one loss. After that, we spent four matches winning in 90 minutes against Yokohama F.Marinos, Mito Hollyhock, Kashiwa Reysol, and Kawasaki Frontale, but then lost 0-3 to JEF United Chiba, who were ranked low at the time. The question is whether we could have taken one more step there. Chiba was excellent then, and I think it was difficult for us to find a chance to win, but being able to add one more point at such a timing is significant. Given that, this season, after the first two opening matches, there will immediately be a three-match series, followed by an eight-match series and cup matches. How we accumulate points in such circumstances is something we must learn from the reflections during the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League period. Since it will be an all-out effort, I think we need to set high standards in our demands on the players.
Q. The season format is changing from autumn to spring (autumn-spring system). Are there any effects from this change?
A, Our bodies move exceptionally well. Our coaches’ minds are also quick to adapt. We think, "Wow, it’s this different." Until now, the season used to start just after the New Year in winter, so there was naturally a feeling of "Alright, here we go." But now, with the warmer climate, our bodies move more easily. That makes it easier to build physical condition, of course, but since the real challenge of summer is about to begin and extreme heat is expected, we want to build the team while carefully managing when to push harder and when to hold back.
Q. It gave the impression that the training on the first day was quite intense.
A. The players have prepared well and have arrived ready for today. As more players regain their condition, I think it is important for everyone to firmly keep their feet on the ground, not because the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League period went well, but to stand at the starting line once again and start from there.
Comment from Player Kouta Tokiwa
Q. The team for the 2026/27 season started today. Please tell us once again your aspirations for this season and how you felt coming into today.
A. In the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, we fell short of the championship we aimed for. At the end of the season, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI told us, "I want each of you to think about how you perceive the idea of winning during the off-season," and the team was disbanded. During the off-season, I took the time to seriously face and organize what is necessary to win this season, including my own challenges, and I have renewed my determination as I face today.
Q, You started with a new lineup, but taking that into account, how did you spend the first day of training?
A, Compared to last season, the number of players has decreased, but precisely because there are fewer of us, I think we were able to train together and work with high concentration. Also, including the new players, I believe it is important not to reset the team but to continue what we have built so far, so we want to communicate with everyone and make the team even better.
Q. You made great strides in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. As the new 2026/27 season begins, in what areas do you want to grow further?
A, First of all, as a premise, I don't consider myself an indispensable player on the team, nor someone guaranteed a starting position. The competition starts again from today, and since there are highly skilled defensive midfielders, I want to make sure I don't lose to them. I believe the demands on me will increase, and I will be evaluated by higher standards, so first I want to firmly win the battle for my position and secure a starting spot. To play in matches, I want to be extremely strict with myself, especially in defense and build-up play, allowing no mistakes at all. Also, since I was unable to record any goals or assists, I want to hold myself to high standards in those areas as well.
Q. The training camp will start from here, but considering the aspect of building a body to fight through the new season, please share your enthusiasm heading into the league opener.
A, I grasped my position within the team during the 2026 season camp, but I also want to keep in mind that the opposite could happen, so I intend to face myself honestly and build up my condition properly. Also, I believe the camp will be a place to enhance team strength while fostering communication, so I want to be mindful of that as well. President Eisuke Shirai spoke to the team, and what he said—"Was every practice a championship-worthy practice?" and "Did you take actions worthy of winning the championship?"—is something I want to focus on day by day, and above all, I want to spend every day aiming for the league championship.
