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.
2013 National Kan's Return
[Match Information]
2013 J.League Division 1 Sec. 25
FC Tokyo 3-2 Urawa Reds
It was a great job for a shy monster. September 14, 2013, J1 League Sec. 25 Urawa Reds match. Finally released from the "red curse" that had lasted for an unimaginable amount of time, they grabbed their first victory against Urawa in 3287 days. At the center of that joy was, as expected, the "National Man".
The scoreboard shows a score of 2-2. The clock was about to hit 90 minutes soon.
Honestly, it was a "here we go again" kind of game. Since Ranko POPOVIC became the manager of Tokyo in 2012, the games against Urawa have always been a no-holds-barred brawl. Leading up to this game, there had been three consecutive draws, but it was always an entertaining match with the added drama between the two managers (although their post-match press conferences were always ridiculously long). Even on this day, we couldn't hold onto a 2-point lead and the draw seemed inevitable.
However, Sota HIRAYAMA, who came on as a substitute in the latter part of the game, never gave up. "Both the players and the fans/supporters were seeking victory."
The last chance rolled to that persistent man. He got a free kick on the right side of the pitch, and Kosuke OTA kicked it with his left foot into the goal. Number 13 threw himself into the sharp arc trajectory and jumped in. Awkwardly, the ball hit his head and flew into the goal by kicking the ground. Watching that, Hirayama climbed over the fence in the stands and stood in front of the Tokyo supporters waiting behind the goal. He raised his fist and shouted with all his might.
The goal celebration was filled with gratitude.
"In the past few years, I couldn't show my play due to injuries, but the Tokyo fans and supporters have continued to support me. I wasn't confident of victory at that goal. But we were able to get closer and closer. That's why I wanted to share the joy with the fans and supporters."
In 2011, when I played in the J2 League, I was considered the ace player, but I broke my right tibia and fibula in a practice match in April. It was my first major injury. The following year, I also experienced a long-term absence and was almost completely away from actual games for two years. Before the start of this year, I thought it would be better to change my environment and looked for a transfer. The negotiations were progressing to the point of a serious discussion, but I changed my mind at the last minute. It was because I realized that I wasn't enthusiastic about it myself.
"When I think about leaving this team, I realize that my love for Tokyo has won. I want to start over from scratch here."
Everyone loved Sota. No matter how often he sat on the bench, every time Hirayama stood on the touchline, the blue and red fans welcomed him with loud cheers. And he always said, "I am truly grateful," over and over again.
After that, he suffered from injuries and decided to retire in January 2018. At the retirement ceremony held at Ajinomoto Stadium in March, Hirayama spoke to the supporters.
"The most memorable moment for me was the support and encouragement I received after the relegation in Kyoto. When I decided to retire, the support I received after the relegation resonated within me. Even if I face difficult times in my life, that support will continue to push me forward. As I start my second life, I want to live with the connections I made in Sendai, the connections that led me to my second life, and the support I received during the toughest times in FC Tokyo as my motivation. Thank you so much."
I'm not good at putting my thoughts into words. But, that clumsiness was also seen as charming by others. Because, at Ajinomoto, the one who received the loudest cheers was none other than this shy striker.
In my memory, there are many spectacular goals engraved. However, none of them are as memorable as this awkward goal on this day. It has an indescribable beauty that cannot be put into words.
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
