Finally, on April 29th (Fri, holiday), Tokyo will have its first J-League match at the new Japan National Stadium.
At the National Stadium before the renovation, we have played many official matches since our first year in the J-League. There were memorable super plays and impactful events. Since winning our long-awaited title, Tokyo has won all titles at the National Stadium, symbolizing the deep connection between Tokyo and the National Stadium.
Our National Stadium.
Before taking a new step at the National Stadium, let's look back at the footprints and memories we have left at the previous National Stadium with photos from that time.
Dedication of 2012 First Crown and Lukon and Interpreter
[Match Information]
91st Emperor's Cup All Japan Soccer Championship Final Round
FC Tokyo 4-2 Kyoto Sanga FC
The person who led FC Tokyo to their first Emperor's Cup victory was a tour guide with a very fitting smile.
On May 12, 2011, interpreter Kazunori IINO called his comrade's cell phone on the opposite side of the Earth.
On that day, it was Lucas Sevelino's (Luccon) beloved wife's birthday. Luccon and I were teammates and interpreters at FC Tokyo for four seasons from the 2004 season. Even after moving to G Osaka in the 2008 season, our friendship remained unchanged.
After the 2010 season, Lucas put an end to his playing career in Japan and returned to his home country of Brazil with his family. Even after returning home, the two of them frequently kept in touch. Iino was relieved to hear that Lucas had returned to his hometown club, Atletico Paranaense, and was doing well. On this day, he had planned to call his wife to celebrate and catch up on each other's lives. However, what followed after Lucas said "Actually..." would surprise Iino.
"I've already retired. It's common in Brazil, you see the unpleasant side of football."
After receiving this sudden confession, Iino took action. He also reported it to the then coach Kiyoshi Okuma and the strengthening department. At the same time, the club was struggling in the J2 league after the demotion due to Sota Hirayama's long-term absence due to injury. Negotiations behind the scenes for Luccon's return to Tokyo as a catalyst for the team began.
"Let's fight together again."
Even though Iino said that, at first he didn't receive a positive response. "No, no, I've already retired. There's no chance, Iino." But he didn't give up. He kept calling out, "Tokyo is in trouble right now. Please help us." In the end, he was able to get a response from Lucas, who had given up, saying "For the sake of Tokyo, who has done me a favor." However, Iino said, "I think there was another reason why he withdrew his retirement," and continued.
"I didn't talk about it much, but Lúcio regretted not being able to retire in the way he envisioned. I think that was one of the reasons that pushed him to make the decision. He wanted to come back to football and end his career in a good way. So when he returned to Japan, he couldn't be in a state where he couldn't move. After making the decision to return, he trained hard in Brazil and came to Japan with a well-built body."
FC Tokyo, with the return of Lucas, dominated J2 and achieved their goal of returning to J1 in just one year with overwhelming strength.
And in the Emperor's Cup, which they had advanced to, they defeated Urawa Reds in the quarterfinals and then Cerezo Osaka in the semifinals. Before the final round, coach Lucon called out to his players, saying "If we win at the National Stadium on New Year's Day, we will feel refreshed. We can experience a truly wonderful moment," and the team came together in unity.
The first New Year's Day match between two J2 clubs, facing Kyoto who were relegated to J2 together in the 2010 season.
Despite conceding the opening goal, Tokyo was truly strong on this day. Yasuyuki KONNO scored the equalizer from a set piece and calmed his teammates, while Masato MORISHIGE's spinning mid-range shot turned the game around. The highlight was Rukon's solo performance in the second half. He scored two goals and defeated Kyoto, leading Tokyo to their first championship.
After that, Lukon continued his active career for 13 years and reluctantly took off his spikes. That day, the big smile that shone at the National Stadium became one of the highlights of his illustrious career. Behind it was the dedication of an interpreter who worked to create a path for his comrades.
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
