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.
At the end of a year that fought against anxiety in 2021
【Match Information】
2020 J.League YBC Levain Cup Final Round
FC Tokyo 2-1 Kashiwa Reysol
2020 was a year in which people all over the world were chased by unmanageable accidents. It was a year of fighting against uncertainties and the spread of COVID-19.
That's why the Levain Cup final round, held on January 4th, 2021 at the new Japan National Stadium, brought so much joy.
The title, which was the first in 11 years for the club, was also the first title under the guidance of coach Kenta HASEGAWA, and the first final round at the new Japan National Stadium... It was a series of firsts.
However, along with the joy, there must have been a strong sense of relief and emotion for the coaches and players that the season was able to be held safely and they were able to fight through it. After the game, Masato MORISHIGE also expressed his honest feelings, saying, "I am relieved along with the happiness. Right now, these are the only two emotions I have."
Looking back, it's autumn.
In the Levain Cup semifinal, Nagoya Grampus led by manager Massimo Ficcadenti achieved a resounding victory with 2 goals from Shuto Abe and a final goal from Adailton. In the semifinal round, they shut out Kawasaki Frontale with 2 goals, including a free kick from Leandro.
And I think we were thinking about winning in the final round in November and gaining momentum for the AFC Champions League (ACL) held in Qatar...
However, right before the final round, a cluster occurred in the opponent team, Kashiwa Reysol, and the final round was postponed to January 4th of the following year.
There was also a bright topic that Keigo HIGASHI, who had just recovered from an injury, would have a chance to play due to the postponed match. On the other hand, Diego OLIVEIRA was injured in the ACL. Above all, the team was exhausted from the ACL and it seemed difficult to gather strength once again for this one match in the final stages of the league.
However, the team continues to prepare with great concentration and determination.
January 4th, the new Japan National Stadium with a lingering New Year's atmosphere.
There was no need to worry about how far they could go. Tokyo is thriving in a unique atmosphere similar to the Emperor's Cup. And just like dedicating it to their big brother Diego, Leandro with his dreadlocks and Adailton score to push Kashiwa aside.
Kenta HASEGAWA Tokyo, with the success of Brazilian players who seem to symbolize, until the end without cutting corners, and closed the season that ran through with all their might with a victory.
It's never easy. But at "Our National Stadium", we will definitely win. Focus on the game in front of us, sincerely and with all our might... There are many factors that contribute to victory, but isn't that what makes it all so Tokyo-like?
By the way, Coach Kenta HASEGAWA said, "Once we win a title, other titles will come closer." Okay, let's get even closer from here on out.
Text by Yoru Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)
