TOKYOism

Finally, on April 29 (Friday, holiday), Tokyo will compete in the first J-League match at the Japan National Stadium.

Before the renovation of the National Stadium, many official matches were held since the first year of joining the J-League. There were memorable super plays and impactful events. Since the long-awaited title was won, Tokyo has won all titles at the National Stadium, symbolizing the deep connection between Tokyo and the National Stadium.

Our National.

This is TOKYO.

Before taking a new step at National, let's look back at the footprints and memories left at National along with photos from that time.

2004 Jean's Tears and First Title

【Match Information】
2004 J.League Yamazaki Nabisco Cup Final Round
FC Tokyo 0(4PK2)0 Urawa Reds

An unforgettable day on November 3, 2004. We claimed our first title in the J.League Nabisco Cup. The memory of that fierce battle is likely etched in the hearts of many.

The road to the Final Round was never an easy one. Additionally, the opponent Urawa Reds advanced to the Final Round for three consecutive years. At that point, they were leading the J1 League, while Tokyo was in 9th place. Urawa's reputation was high.

Moreover, for Tokyo, this is their first advance to the finals, and the tension is at its maximum. Before the match, coach Hiromi HARA's words to the players, "If we win, I'll treat you to 'Doutor'," eased the tense atmosphere. It should have.

However, in the 29th minute of the first half, DF Jean received a second warning and was sent off. Faced with an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, MF Fumitake MIURA was regretfully substituted. On the other hand, DF Ryuji FUJIYAMA, who was suddenly called to play and took on the role of center-back, showed an outstanding performance. GK Yoichi DOI and FW Mitsuhiro TODA, who covered in front of the goal, also prevented all of Urawa's scoring opportunities, managing to keep a clean sheet for the full 120 minutes, including extra time.

With all his might, MF Naohiro ISHIKAWA, feeling he could no longer move, communicated his intention to be substituted to Toda on the bench, but it was Toda who left the pitch.

In the penalty shootout that determined the outcome, the kickers were not easily decided, and usually reserved DF Akira KAJI stepped up as the fifth kicker. After the match, DF Teruyuki MONIWA, who reportedly had blood in his urine, cheerfully pressured the Urawa players at the penalty spot by saying, "Let us win...".

The episodes are endless.

The clear autumn sky. As the colors of the evening sky change, my emotions are stirred, and I feel fortunate to have spent a time filled with joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.

On the other hand, the equipment manager Yukinori YAMAKAWA, once the kickoff whistle blows, is busy with preparations and has no time to watch the match. On that day, by the time he realized it, Jean was sobbing in the locker room. While being chased by various tasks, he continued to comfort Jean, who couldn't face reality and kept saying, 'I want to go home.'

Some club staff have left National and are preparing for the victory celebration at Ajinomoto Stadium. They know that it may not always be rewarding.

No matter how much you love soccer and how much you love Tokyo, there are times when you can't even stand on the pitch, let alone watch it. Still, it was a final that brought the meaning of fighting together and pride.

Text by Yu Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)