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.
At the end of a year of fighting anxiety in 2021
【Match Information】
2020 J.League YBC Levain Cup Final Round
FC Tokyo 2-1 Kashiwa Reysol
The year 2020 was a year for people around the world that was consumed by the response to an unavoidable incident. It was a year marked by the impact of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, where we continued to fight against anxiety factors.
That is why, on January 4, 2021, the Levain Cup Final Round held at the Japan National Stadium brought a lot of joy.
The club's first title in 11 years was also the first title under coach Kenta HASEGAWA, and it was the first Final Round at the Japan National Stadium... making it a series of firsts.
However, alongside the joy, there must have been a strong sense of relief and emotion for the coach and players that the season was able to be held safely and that they could fight through it. After the match, Masato MORISHIGE also expressed his honest feelings, saying, "I am relieved along with my happiness. Right now, I only have these two feelings."
Looking back to autumn――.
In the Levain Cup Semifinal Round, Nagoya Grampus, led by coach Massimo FICCADENTI, achieved a convincing victory with two goals from Shuto ABE and a late goal from Adailton. In the Semifinal Round, they secured a shutout win against Kawasaki Frontale with two goals, including a free kick from Leandro.
And I think they were thinking of winning in the Final Round in November, as a springboard to the AFC Champions League (ACL) held in Qatar...
However, just before the Final Round, a cluster occurred with the opposing team Kashiwa Reysol, and the Final Round was postponed to January 4 of the following year.
Due to the postponement, there was a positive topic that Keigo HIGASHI would have a chance to play after recovering from injury, but on the other hand, Diego OLIVEIRA was injured in the ACL. Above all, the team was exhausted from the ACL, and it felt like a tremendous challenge to muster the strength once more for this one match at the end of the league.
Nevertheless, the team continues to prepare with solemnity and high concentration.
January 4th, the Japan National Stadium still filled with the New Year spirit.
There was no need to worry about how far they could move. Tokyo thrives in a unique atmosphere reminiscent of the Emperor's Cup. And, as if dedicating it to their big brother Diego, Leandro with his dreadlocks and Adailton score to pull away from Kashiwa.
With the performance of Brazilian players that symbolize Kenta HASEGAWA Tokyo, the season was concluded with a championship, having given their all without holding back until the end.
It never goes smoothly. However, we will definitely win at 'Our National'. Focus on the game in front of us, sincerely, with all our strength... There may be various factors for victory, but isn't that what makes it all so Tokyo-like?
By the way, coach Kenta HASEGAWA said, "By winning a title once, other titles will come closer." OK, let's get even closer from here.
Text by Yu Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)
