FC Tokyo enters the new season with a clear goal of "winning the championship." The key to the style that Coach Rikizo Matsuhashi aims for—dominating both offense and defense—lies in the defensive midfield position, which serves as the team's heart. This time, we present a dialogue between Kouta Tokiwa, who rapidly increased his playing opportunities in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, and Takahiro Ko, who vows to make a comeback after struggling with injuries for half a year. In the latter part, they discuss the new players for the 2026/27 season and their thoughts.
The first part of the dialogue is here
──Following the discussion about the team, could you please introduce the new players from here? Let's start with Shuto Nagano.
Tokiwa The first time I saw him play up close, I felt he had good size and was strong in one-on-one situations. He has strengths and characteristics in defense, and on top of that, he’s skillful with the ball at his feet. I thought he’s a good player who can do anything.
Taka I remember that we both came on as substitutes in the Emperor's Cup match against Veertien Mie when he was with FC Tokyo U-18. After being promoted to the top team, he was loaned out on development-type contracts to two clubs, Gainare Tottori and Fujieda MYFC, where he played many matches and gained solid experience. Getting game time is really important, and since I have gone through that myself, I understand how the mindset and that experience can influence a player. I'm looking forward to playing alongside him.
── How about Hirotaka Ishihara?
Taka I have known Hironori since elementary school. We played together continuously at the Kanagawa Prefecture training center. Back then, he was a goalkeeper, and I was a forward (laughs). His face and size haven’t changed at all since then. He is the same age as Mitsuki Saito (currently with Kyoto Sanga F.C.), and I remember that by the time we entered junior high, he had become a side back at Shonan Bellmare. Because I had a strong image of him as a goalkeeper, I was surprised by the quality of his crosses when we ended up on the same team. However, I never imagined we would be on the same professional team.
Tokiwa He had the image of being a “passionate guy” at Urawa Reds, didn’t he?
Taka He definitely clashes hard with the opposing players.
Tokiwa So at first, I was observing him from a bit of a distance wondering, "What kind of person is he usually?" (laughs). For now, he’s being teased a lot, so my impression has completely changed 180 degrees. But I wonder if he gets fired up during matches. Right now, there’s a gap in my image of him.
Taka There’s no one who gets that fired up all the time (laughs).
Tokiwа But I was surprised to see that the guy who was stopping young dribblers and shouting in the highlight clips is actually like this (laughs).
──Next, how about player Shion Honma?
Taka I never thought I’d end up on the same team as Shion again... Shion hasn’t changed at all. He’s still like a middle schooler, just the same as before (laughs). Over the past few seasons, he’s experienced challenges abroad and loan transfers, and I believe he joined with the strong desire to definitely achieve results here in Tokyo. That determination comes through even in everyday practice. Playing alongside him brings back a nostalgic feeling.
Tokiwа I thought he was a type of side half that Tokyo hasn’t had before. Although he’s a wide player, he cuts inside, receives the ball between the lines, turns, and always plays while staying involved with the ball. He’s really skillful, so I think he will bring a fresh breeze to Tokyo.
──And please tell us about Nikolai Varis, who joined midway through the camp.
Taka He’s huge. Tall and skilled. And on top of that, a really great guy. Plus, he’s incredibly good at table tennis. Probably the best in Tokyo. When we played table tennis at the dorm, he was amazing, and he even won the final against Alexander Scholz. By the way, I was made the referee for that match (laughs).
Tokiwа He’s also good at soccer. His ball touch is very soft.
Taka That's right. I think he's not so much a speed type as a player who is good at building relationships with those around him.
Tokiwa The playstyle is quite simple, giving the impression of a position one step ahead of Samuel Gustafson (Urawa Reds). That vibe also comes through from his size and choice of play.
──Do you think he will become someone who can fill the gap left by Ryunosuke Sato?
Taka Ryu (Ryunosuke Sato) is also a wonderful player, so I think it's not quite right to compare them. However, I believe he is a player who will bring something extra to the team by leveraging a different kind of strength.
Tokiwa Ryu was a superstar, so honestly, the gap left by him is big and painful. However, on the contrary, I have a feeling that various new combinations will emerge. Up front, there is Marcelo (Hian), and Mikiki Nagakura is originally a player who excels at playing just behind the striker, while Fuuki Yamada is also being tested in the center. Then there’s Teru (Teruhito Nakagawa), and with Nico coming in, I feel the variations in the forward line will increase significantly. I have a feeling that this will not be a replacement for Ryu, but a new Tokyo with completely different characteristics.
──If FC Tokyo wins the league for the first time, the stage and the scenery we see will surely change. Please share your passionate thoughts for the new season, including what you want to achieve personally this season.
Taka During this off-season, I took a lot of time to reflect on myself. I had quite a few injuries over the past six months, so first and foremost, I focused on working towards becoming a player with longevity and faced myself honestly. In the defensive midfield position, there are truly excellent competitors like Kyota, Kento Hashimoto, and Shuto, so I want to learn everything I can from all of them and use that to fuel my own growth. To properly raise my own value again, I have to overcome them. While elevating my own worth, I still want to aim higher. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming up, I recently had the chance to meet Ao Tanaka, a former classmate from Kawasaki Frontale’s academy who now plays for Leeds United FC, and he gave me great inspiration. I definitely want to aim for that kind of stage and give it another shot. As a team, our goal is to win the league, but I truly want to cherish each day as it comes and give my all in every training session. I want to face myself, overcome the daily competition, and on top of that, I believe I must dedicate myself fully to fighting in every single match.
Tokiwа There are good players among Tokyo’s defensive midfielders, but if we think about reaching the next level, I can’t afford to lose to them. Ideally, I want to start and play full-time in all 38 matches. I don’t want it to be just talk—I truly want to have the determination and preparation to accomplish that. As I’ve said many times, I’m just a player who has appeared in only half a season. I haven’t achieved anything yet; there’s still a long way to go. Personally, I’m really looking forward to seeing if I can compete throughout the entire J1 League season. First, I want to avoid getting carried away, keep my feet firmly on the ground, and challenge myself to be fully active in this new season.
──Lastly, please share a message for the fans and supporters.
Tokiwa We have set the goal of winning the league, but we want to achieve it together with everyone involved in this club—not just the players and staff, but also the fans and supporters. I believe that by joining hands, respecting each other, and seeking the best together, the league championship will come into view. We promise to play with all our might and deliver victories to those who always support us, so we would be happy if you fight alongside us.
Takahiro We receive energy from the atmosphere and support that empower the players in every match, so I believe it is our role to respond to that. If there is anything we can give back to everyone, it can only be in the form of winning the league, so we want to achieve that. It will be a long season, and many things will happen. We want to overcome those challenges together, keep looking forward, and continue fighting. We appreciate your support in the new season as well.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
