Encounter with Kosuke OTA
This is a story born from a chain of kindness. Among the many episodes in Tokyo, I can call this one of my top ten in my heart. I would like you to join me for a moment in a lovely story about Ryoya OGAWA, who will soon embark on a journey to Portugal, and the heartwarming left-back memories he left in blue and red.
Ryo entered the professional world from Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School in the 2015 season. Looking back on that time, he said, "There were misunderstandings because I was elevated in high school soccer."
"So, I didn't think I could beat (Kosuke OTA), but I thought I could at least be on the bench and occasionally play in matches."
However, that faint hope crumbled easily. Throughout the year, there was never an opportunity to participate in an official match, and although I was quite depressed, more than anything, I realized the difference in skill level myself. Experiencing the gap between myself and Kosuke, I thought that there were various things I needed to work on. Before I knew it, I naturally started to follow Kosuke's play during practice, always trailing behind him. Furthermore, I asked questions about anything that piqued my interest.
"Anyway, I imitated Hiroki-kun. We were both left-handed and had similar characteristics. I often watched him during practice, and we also did crossing practice together after training. It helped that Hiroki-kun was kind. Honestly, it would have been tough if the seniors had that attitude of 'Why do I have to teach you?'"
What did you think of Ryo during that time? Kosuke puts it into words like this.
"From the outside, it may seem strange to be friendly with someone in the same position who could be a rival. However, I have been fortunate to have kind seniors since I was young, and I have a past where I was allowed to grow freely. Whether it was at Yokohama FC or Shimizu S-Pulse, there were so many remarkable members that I could name. I was able to absorb various things by sticking close to those seniors and grow. Because of that, regardless of rivalry, I wanted to share my experiences and strongly wished to have good relationships with all players. I have a personality that doesn't rely on my peers of the same generation, and there was something about entering the embrace of my seniors that resembled me in some way. Perhaps that was a kind of charm."
And then, Ryoya also gets his chance. In his second year as a professional, Kosuke transferred to Vitesse in the Dutch top division, and with the injury of Yuichi KOMANO, who was competing for a regular spot, he made his debut in the AFC Champions League. He also increased his playing opportunities in the league, but he did not feel a sense of achievement.
"I was desperate to keep up. I was just trying not to make mistakes and to maintain the flow of passes. I was always on the edge and managing to get by. There were times when I was just running with the momentum of not knowing what to do. Looking back now, I think Naotake HANYU and other seniors were covering for me and making it easier for me to play."
The following year, when Kosuke returned to Tokyo from the Netherlands, he was once again pushed to the bench. Still, he told himself, "If Kosuke-kun had been here in the second year, I wouldn't have been able to play," and continued to chase after him just like in his first year as a pro.
Recently, Kosuke felt that the footsteps of Ryoya, who has been chasing him, had become a bit louder.
"When I came back from the Netherlands, Ryoya had established his own playing style and was able to play with confidence. Watching him in the match, I could see his playing style and the angle before he took the corner kick. That made me really happy."
However, even though they recognized each other as rivals, the cross-training sessions they did together after practice remained unchanged from Ryoya's first year. It is said that they often went out to eat together in private as well. The two continued to be the best of rivals and good senior-junior friends.
Lineage of '6'
The turning point was in his fourth year as a professional. Ryoya would increase his playing opportunities year by year from here on.
"I gained confidence in my fourth year. Right after Kosuke-kun returned, I felt there was a gap. Even with Kosuke-kun around, being able to play in matches became a source of confidence for me. It was different to play in matches without Kosuke-kun."
Ryo's performance meant that Kosuke's opportunities to play were decreasing. Even so, Kosuke says.
"When we upload pictures together on social media, fans and supporters would say or write things like, 'Aren't you frustrated about losing your position?' Before being in the same position, I liked Ryoya OGAWA as a person. We spent a lot of time together in private. There were times when I felt frustrated when I was on the bench. However, I never thought that Ryoya should play poorly or make mistakes. I wanted to maintain a relationship where we could challenge each other and believed that by sharing various experiences, I could grow as well. I truly think it was a simple and good relationship. We had passionate discussions about soccer together, and I believe we respected each other and helped each other improve."
Their relationship continues even now, after Kosuke OTA left Tokyo in the summer of the 2019 season. Ryoya has written 'Kosuke OTA' in the column for players he respects every time, holding onto feelings of gratitude and respect.
"The way you interacted with me never changed, no matter the situation. I was happy and grateful for that. That's why I was able to engage with you frankly. I think it's a testament to Kosuke's big heart."
Since the 2020 season, Ryo has taken over the number 6 jersey that Kosuke wore. "It wasn't that I absolutely wanted to wear it. But when it became available and someone else was going to wear it, I really didn't like that. So I said I wanted to wear number 6 myself." This story didn't end here; rather, Ryo didn't let it end. It wasn't just the number 6 that he inherited. After the caring Kosuke left, it was none other than Ryo who took the initiative to look after the younger players.
"I was at the bottom, so I was always taken out for meals. I was spoiled by my seniors more than enough. I wanted to pass that on. I don't want to create any barriers for my juniors in the first place. I might have created barriers myself, but I might have jumped over them without realizing it. It's ridiculous to be friendly with my seniors while being strict and creating barriers for my juniors (laughs)."
Saying that, I started extra practice with Kashif BANGNAGANDE, the left back who was promoted from FC Tokyo U-18, and answered any questions he had, just as I was once helped.
At first, Yoshifumi was reserved, but he changed as he came to experience Ryo's kindness. "He has so much that I lack, so I feel it's a waste not to ask him. At first, I was hesitant, but from the moment I participated in practice with the top team for the first time, both Kosuke and Ryo were friendly and talked to me. That's why I was able to actively engage in conversation. I really think it's thanks to the two of them."
Ryoya was first selected for the Japan national team in March 2021, honing his skills alongside Yoshifumi. Hiroki was delighted to hear this as if it were his own achievement.
"When I got the jersey number and when I was called up to the national team, I received a message, and I was really happy. I had said I would wear number 6 when I joined the national team, and I think it's amazing that I followed through on that. Also, he seemed a bit shy when he talked about being kind to Yoshifumi. Soccer players live in their own individual worlds, but it's not interesting if we don't acknowledge each other as rivals or if we don't teach younger players anything. I'm glad that Ryoya feels that way too."
The place where you should be
And so, preparing for his journey, Ryoya made up his mind to leap into the world. It was to open the door to his dreams.
"When I was a child, when I thought of a soccer match, it was always about the national team games. So, when I envisioned my dream of becoming a soccer player, I always imagined being a player for the Japan national team. I was incredibly happy when I decided to join FC Tokyo. However, it was a bit different from what I had imagined. When I was first selected for the Japan national team, I felt like my dream had come true. When I stood on the pitch during the match against South Korea, I felt that I had become the player I had always envisioned in that moment. I admired the players who are at the center of the Japan national team and are excelling overseas, and I have always wanted to be like them."
In mid-June, just before that, Kosuke and Ryoya reunited. They went out for a meal after a long time, and the junior who sat across from him looked a bit more reliable.
"Anyway, when I told him to do his best, he shyly said, 'I'll do it.' He has probably been continuing to practice crosses, and I think Ryoya can be more aggressive. Due to the team's situation, he has developed a strong defensive image, but originally he always wanted to overlap and deliver crosses. I told him to become a more attacking full-back in Portugal. Because I know he can do more than that."
I asked Ryo about this: "Do you want Yoshifumi to wear number 6?" His answer was as gentle as they are.
"I don't like being pushy. But if Yoshifumi wants to, I would be happy."
Surely, Ryo's compassion and kindness that he has left at this club will connect to the next generation and be passed down.
Farewell Tokyo, then I ask today――. As the time of departure arrives, what do you think?
A farewell greeting filled with feelings of parting is just not fitting. Here, there was a slightly cheeky and shining Ryoya OGAWA from the time he had just become a professional.
"When I came in, the seniors must have been confused. They probably thought I was different from the usual juniors coming into Tokyo. At first, it seemed like they thought a cocky kid had joined. But the seniors in Tokyo were kind to me. They engaged with me no matter what I said and taught me everything. That's why I am who I am today. I am truly grateful, and joining FC Tokyo was not a mistake. I owe my current self to many seniors and the coaches who were involved with me. I really feel blessed with the people around me. However, I have never thought or said that I love FC Tokyo. How should I put it... You don't tell your family that you love them, right? FC Tokyo became the place where I belong, and it has always felt natural. I will grow big over there. Wearing the national team jersey is a goal that I must not waver from."
Yes, yes, I feel like there was a player who jokingly boasted, "One day, I will play for Real Madrid." I have been amazed by his high potential. At the same time, I feel like I haven't seen his true seriousness yet. If there are words to send him, it would be like this.
"Grow big, kind-hearted Gentleman Boy"
Text by Kohei Baba (Football Writer)
