TOKYOism

The big smile was Lucon's trademark.
"At first, I didn't intend to stay that long," but before I knew it, my challenge in Japan has reached 10 years.
Sometimes, behind the brightest smile, there was a hint of sorrow.
By his side, there is a partner who shared many moments of joy and sorrow together.
This is a story of friendship between those two.

Behind the Scenes Philosophy

Behind the scenes, there is a staff member who is entering his 20th season with the team this year. Interpreter Kazunori IINO has continuously supported Brazilian players both professionally and personally. Starting with Amaral, TUTO, and Sandro, many players including the current Diego OLIVEIRA, Jael, and Arthur SILVA have relied on his help. He has encouraged them as they strive for success in Japan, sharing their joys and tears. His work covers a wide range of areas.

"Recent players don't do it much, but in the past, on the bus during travel, we would joke around and play cards the whole time. That was our first communication tool. But everyone is very competitive, so it was tough. Once, Jean lost and grabbed the cards, slamming them on the floor in anger. At that time, Lucas and I hurriedly calmed him down, saying 'Calm down.' It's a funny story now, but it was really tough back then (bitter laugh)."

Using such interactions as an entry point, he helps people adapt to a foreign land. Starting with reading and writing Japanese, calming anxious hearts, and caring for families are all part of his work. It is not just about taking the lead in doing everything, but also about supporting them little by little to build their own foundation for living. This interpreter says that this unwavering commitment has remained unchanged throughout his 20 years in this job.

"I have always strongly wished for success for every player involved. Of course, that feeling remains unchanged even now."

What kind of character is he? Calm and steady, with little wavering. Maybe that's why, during interviews, I find myself wanting to make Mr. Iino laugh. Before I knew it, that became my measure of whether the interview went well or not.

There have been many times of crushing defeat. Each time, I held back a sigh and thought about the next question. It was a repeated cycle. Among them, the most memorable was probably the interview at the end of 2013 with "Lucon," Lucas Severino. It was filled with a friendship that transcended over 18,000 km and the aesthetics of a beloved man's farewell.


And the two who knelt down and sat facing each other laughed a lot. I still remember that clearly.

Return in Disappointment

Lucas first aspired to challenge Europe in 2000, when Iino became FC Tokyo's Portuguese interpreter. However, he was unable to perform as expected at Rennes in France's Ligue 1, where he joined with great fanfare, and from 2004 he sought opportunities to shine at FC Tokyo. Welcomed as the successor to Amaral, his challenge in Japan was not smooth sailing from the start. Iino recalls those times as follows.

"At the new team announcement, you talk about your playing style and characteristics, right? At that time, I said that speed and stamina were my strengths. But to be honest, when I first came to Japan, I didn't think I was a player with great stamina. So at first, I wondered if I was mistaken. Looking back now, I think that was true, but when I first arrived, my body wasn't in shape—Lucas himself. Later, a photo from that time came out, and the two of us laughed together; that's a good memory."

At that time, Lucas arrived in Japan far from his top form. In the beginning, he struggled with physical training every time. He also lacked match fitness and it took several months before his body moved as he wanted. Even so, as he gradually regained his condition, he achieved a decent performance in his first year. However, in the following 2005 season, he suffered injuries and struggled to surpass his first-year results.

It was at the end of that year. Lucas was informed by the club that his contract would expire at the end of the season. At that time, negotiations were underway to sign a Brazilian striker to replace Lucas. Iino said, "Later, when asked what was the most difficult thing about playing in Japan, he always talks about that time," and continued.

"I occasionally joked about wanting to quit the team myself, but the only time I was ever told to leave the team was that one and only time."

In December at Narita Airport, a silhouette returning to Brazil in despair was blurred. Then, the acquisition of the new foreign player that was planned became difficult, and negotiations broke down just before the contract was finalized. Tokyo changed its policy and hoped to extend the contract with Lucas, but the proud man did not change his mind so easily.

Even so, Iino kept sending messages like "Come back" and "We're waiting for you." Moved by those feelings, Rucon put on the blue and red jersey once again. In the 2006 season that followed, he proved his strength by scoring goals with a fierce determination. Although the team decided to change the manager for the first time mid-season and could not achieve stable results, by the end of the season Lucas personally appeared in 31 matches and finished the season with his highest tally of 18 goals.

Sudden Retirement Announcement

Since transferring to Gamba Osaka in 2008, the friendship between the two has remained unchanged. Iino said, "I wanted to fight alongside him, but I was happy to see him steadily progress in Japan," and quietly continued to support Lucas, who contributed to winning many titles including the AFC Champions League.

"Can you believe that Lucas used to be really mischievous and a bad boy? It's hard to imagine that he didn't even keep his promises on time. But when he came to Japan, he learned the customs and culture and desperately adapted to them. He never said that his transfer to France was a failure, but I think he used that experience to achieve success in Japan."

And at the end of the 2010 season, Lucas ended his career playing in Japan and chose to play for his former club Atlético Paranaense. He returned to his home country, Brazil, with his family.

On the other hand, Tokyo finished 16th in the J1 League that year and faced the misfortune of relegation to J2.

May 12th of the following 11th year. That day was the birthday of Lucon's beloved wife. Iino, as he had done before, called the mobile phone of a friend on the exact opposite side of the Earth. After exchanging "Happy Birthday" and "Thank you," they continued to share updates about their lives. Over the phone, Lucon hesitated a little and said, "Actually..." before speaking further.

"I've already retired from active play. It's common in Brazil, but I saw the unpleasant side of football."

I was surprised by the sudden report.

"When he returned to Brazil, I really felt lonely. But since it was his own decision, I didn't try to stop him. Even after he went back to Brazil, we kept in touch. He continued to score goals and was in great form after rejoining the team in Brazil. I was relieved to hear that he was doing well after returning to the team where he grew up. However, after that, something bad happened to him. He didn't tell me the details. So when I suddenly heard that he was retiring, I was truly surprised."

Iino immediately reported the matter to then-manager Kiyoshi OKUMA (currently Cerezo Osaka Team General Manager) and the club's strengthening department. OKUMA and the strengthening department contacted him saying, "Please confirm Lucas's intention immediately." In a hurry, Iino spoke as he did in 2005, saying, "Let's fight together once more." However, Lucas was reluctant to agree.

"No way, I'm already retired, there's no comeback. No chance at all, Iino."

A Friend's Feelings That Changed No Chance

At first, I was flatly refused, but I didn't give up. From then on, I reported the team's situation and performance whenever possible, saying, "So, let's fight together once more," over and over again. Lucon recalls that time like this.

"I received repeated calls and messages from Iino, telling me that the team is currently in a very difficult situation. He said they need my help and that we should fight together again. Honestly, it was persistent to the point of being annoying (bitter smile)."

The back-and-forth continued until Rucon said, "I understand." Iino recalls that moment with a wry smile.

"I persistently kept sending messages telling him to come back once more, and I also called him. Mr. Okuma told me, 'Even if he says he quit, it will only be for a month or two, so it’s okay. Please do something about it.' Tokyo, having been relegated to J2, was in a very difficult situation, and there was even a possibility that they might not be able to get promoted back to J1. I talked about injuries to foreign players and the earthquake disaster, expressing that we sincerely wanted help. He felt a sense of gratitude toward Tokyo. That’s why, every time we talked, he gradually changed his mind and wanted to help, deciding to become a hero of justice."

Iino said, "I think there was one more reason why I withdrew my retirement," and continued.

"He didn't talk about it much, but he regretted not being able to retire in the way he had envisioned. I think that was one of the reasons that pushed him to make the decision. His hope was to return to football once more and finish his career on a good note. So, when he came back to Japan, he knew he couldn't be in a state where he couldn't move. After deciding to make a comeback, he trained intensively in Brazil and built up his body before coming to Japan."

Although the team struggled in the early season, Tokyo, strengthened by Lucas, dominated J2 and secured promotion to J1 in just one year. Furthermore, they defeated J1 clubs one after another in the Emperor's Cup, advancing to the Final Round. The driving force behind this was Lucas. "The Emperor's Cup Final on January 1st is the best stage. It feels great to stand there." With these words, he inspired the team as they faced Kyoto in the Final Round.

Before important matches, it was always like that. As a ritual, I would ask Iino to trim my hair short with clippers. That day too, with a fully motivated buzz cut and dedicated play, I led the team. I made a great contribution to the 4-2 victory with two goals.

The Aesthetics of a Respectful Departure

After that, Lucas played in Tokyo for two seasons and, much to everyone's regret, said farewell to his active career after 13 seasons. Initially, Iino tried to persuade him by saying, "You can still do it," but Lucas always replied like this.

"I don't want to end up worn out, pushed to the bench, and leave the soccer world like that. I want to say goodbye to the pitch while being missed by everyone."

At that moment, we respected Lucas's aesthetics. While saying, "He is stubborn," we also felt proud that he ended his football career in the way he wanted. Lucas regained the fame he lost in France here in Japan, far away, and will continue to be remembered as a legend who saved the club. Behind that success story, there were staff members who supported him closely.

"Lucas and I, of course, had the roles of interpreter and player, but I believe we built a relationship beyond work, like family or brothers. It might sound presumptuous, but when he was struggling, I felt the same pain. I always wanted him to succeed and do his best. Because we endured difficult times together and came out of a long tunnel side by side, a deeper bond was formed. I was truly happy that he achieved success in Japan. Of course, he was an excellent player, but he was also a wonderful person. Meeting him was lucky for me and something I consider a treasure. My feelings remain unchanged—I always hope that the players I work with will find even a little success in Japan."

I have worked with many players over 20 years. Although not everyone has succeeded in Japan, it is interesting. I often hear stories about new players or those who were previously in Tokyo playing together at different clubs. The world expands and connects through a single ball. Here, there is an interpreter who truly understands the charm of football.

By the way, when Rucon and Mr. Iino praise each other, they always rotate their clenched fists on open palms and flash their white teeth saying, "This is what we're good at." If the conversation goes that way, the secret enjoyment is a great success. Mr. Iino rarely laughs during my interviews, but he laughs freely when kicking the ball. I truly believe that this person also wants to be near the rolling ball.



◇Kazunori IINO (Iino Kazunori) - Interpreter Profile

text by Kohei Baba
photo by Kenichi Arai, Masahito Sasaki