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.
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.
2012 First Championship and the Dedication of the Interpreter and the Recon
【Match Information】
91st Emperor's Cup All Japan Football Championship Final Round
FC Tokyo 4-2 SANGA S
The one who led FC Tokyo to their first victory in the Emperor's Cup was a guide whose smile suited them very well.
On May 12, 2011, interpreter Kazunori IINO called the mobile phone of a comrade on the other side of the world.
That day is the birthday of Lucas Severino's beloved wife. Lucas was a teammate who fought alongside FC Tokyo as a player and interpreter for four seasons starting from the 2004 season. Even after moving to G Osaka in the 2008 season, their friendship remained unchanged.
After ending his playing career in Japan at the end of the 2010 season and returning to his home country of Brazil with his family, the two have kept in touch frequently. Iino felt relieved to hear that Lucas had returned to his childhood club, Atletico Paranaense, and was doing well. On this day, he intended to make a call to celebrate his wife's birthday and to catch up on each other's recent news. However, Iino was surprised by the words that followed Lucas's "Actually...".
"I've already retired. It's something common in Brazil; I've seen the unpleasant side of football."
Upon receiving this sudden confession, Iino took action. He reported it to then-coach Kiyoshi OKUMA and the strengthening department. At that time, the club was struggling in the relegated J2 League due to Sota HIRAYAMA's long-term injury. Under the aim of welcoming him as a catalyst for the team, negotiations for Rucon's return to Tokyo began behind the scenes.
"Let's fight together once more"
Even though Iino said that, at first, he didn't receive a favorable response. "No way, I've already retired. There's no chance, Iino." Still, he didn't back down. He repeatedly called out, "Tokyo is in a tough spot right now. Please help us." In the end, he managed to get a response from Lucas, who relented, saying, "For the Tokyo that I owe a debt to." However, Iino said, "I think there was another reason for retracting my retirement," and continued.
"I didn't talk about it much, but I think Rucon regretted not being able to retire in the way he had envisioned. That was one of the reasons that pushed him to make the decision. His hope was to return to football and end his career on a good note. So when he came back to Japan, he felt he couldn't be in a state where he couldn't move. After deciding to make a comeback, he trained intensively in Brazil to build his body properly before coming to Japan."
FC Tokyo, with the return of Ryucon, dominated J2 and achieved the major goal of returning to J1 in just one year.
And, in the ongoing Emperor's Cup, they defeated Urawa Reds in the quarterfinals and took down Cerezo Osaka in the Semifinal Round. Before the Final Round, Rucon called out to the players, saying, "Winning at the National on New Year's Day will make you feel refreshed. You will truly experience a wonderful moment," and the team united.
The first New Year's Day match between two J2 clubs, facing Kyoto, which was relegated to J2 in the 2010 season.
Although they conceded the opening goal, Tokyo was truly strong on this day. Yasuyuki KONNO scored the equalizer from a set piece, calming those around him, and Masato MORISHIGE turned the game around with a powerful shot. The highlight was the second half, where the stage belonged to Rukon. He scored two goals to defeat Kyoto and achieved their first championship.
Rukon continued to play professionally until 13 years later, and reluctantly hung up his spikes. That day, the big smile that shone at the National stadium became one of the highlights of his brilliant career. Behind that, there was the dedication of the interpreter who worked to create a path for his comrade.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
