Encounter with Kosuke OTA
This is a story born from a chain of kindness. Among the many episodes in Tokyo, it can be called one of my top ten favorites. I would like you to join me for a little while in the lovely story surrounding Ryoya OGAWA, who will soon be traveling to Portugal, and the heartwarming left back he left behind in blue and red.
Ryo entered the professional world in the 2015 season from Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School. Looking back on that time, he said, "I was praised too much in high school soccer and had some misunderstandings."
"So, I didn't think I could beat Kosuke Ota, but I thought I could at least make it to the bench and occasionally play in the game."
However, that faint hope was easily shattered. Throughout the year, there was never a chance to play in an official match, and I felt really down. But above all, I realized the difference in our levels. I felt the gap between me and Kousuke, and I thought there were things I needed to do. Before I knew it, I found myself naturally watching Kousuke's plays during practice, and I started following him around all the time. Furthermore, I asked him about anything that was on my mind.
"I just imitated Hirokazu-kun. We were both left-handed and had similar characteristics. I often watched him during practice, and we also did crossing practice together after practice. Hirokazu-kun was also kind. If the senior had said, 'Why do I have to teach you?' I think it would have been tough."
What did you think of Ryo's actions at that time? Hirokazu says this:
"It may seem strange to get along with someone who could be a rival in the same position, but I have been fortunate to have kind seniors since I was young, and I have been able to play freely. Whether it was at Yokohama FC or Shimizu S-Pulse, there were countless talented members. I was able to absorb various things and grow by sticking with such seniors. Because of that, regardless of rivals, I wanted to convey my experiences and have a good relationship with all players. I have a personality that cannot rely on my peers, and I think it was similar to me to get close to my seniors. Maybe that's also part of my charm."
And then, a chance also comes to Ryo. In his second year as a professional, Hirokazu moved to Vitesse in the Dutch first division, and made his first appearance in the AFC Champions League due to the injury of Yuichi KOMANO, who was competing for a regular position. He also increased his playing time in the league, but he didn't feel satisfied with his performance.
"I was desperate to keep up. I was always on the edge, trying not to make mistakes or disrupt the flow of passes. There were times when I didn't understand, so I just ran with all my might. Looking back now, I think it was thanks to Naotake HANYU and other seniors covering for me and allowing me to move around more comfortably."
The following year, when Kousuke returned to Tokyo from the Netherlands, he was once again relegated to the bench. However, he continued to push himself forward, telling himself, "If Kousuke-kun had been here, I wouldn't have been able to play in my second year," and chasing after his back like he did in his first year as a professional.
Recently, Koukai also realized that Ryouya's footsteps following him have become a little louder.
"When I came back from the Netherlands, Ryo also had established his own playing style and was able to play with confidence. Seeing him play in the game, I could see his playing style and the angle before taking a corner kick. That made me happy."
However, even though they recognized each other as rivals, Ryoya and Ryo continued their cross practice together, just like in their first year. They also often went out to eat together in private. They remained each other's biggest rivals and good senior and junior.
'6' Genealogy
It was a turning point in his fourth year as a professional. As the years went by, Ryo increased his playing time.
"I gained confidence in my fourth year. When Kousuke-kun came back, I felt a difference. Even with Kousuke-kun there, being able to play in the game gave me confidence. It was different playing in the game without Kousuke-kun."
Ryo's success meant that Kousuke's playing time would decrease. However, Kousuke says:
"When I uploaded a picture of us together on SNS, I would sometimes get comments or messages from fans and supporters asking, 'Aren't you upset about losing your position?' Before we were competing for the same position, I actually really liked Ryoya OGAWA as a person. We spent a lot of time together even outside of soccer. Of course, it was frustrating when I was on the bench, but I never wanted to see Ryoya play badly or make mistakes. I wanted to continue our relationship where we could push each other to be better and I believed that by sharing our experiences, I could also grow as a player. I truly think it was a simple and good relationship. We also had passionate discussions about soccer and I feel like we respected and motivated each other."
Their relationship continues even now, after Kosuke left Tokyo in the summer of the 2019 season. Ryoya has always written "Kosuke OTA" in the column of players he respects, and has continued to hold feelings of gratitude and respect.
"He always treated me the same way. It made me happy and grateful. That's why I also interacted with him frankly. I think it's because of Hirokazu's big heart."
From the 2020 season, Ryouya took over the number 6 that Kousuke had been wearing. "It's not like I absolutely wanted to wear it. But if it became a vacant number and someone else wore it, I would hate that. So I said I wanted to wear number 6 myself." This story didn't end here, or rather, Ryouya didn't let it end. He didn't just take over the number 6. After the kind-hearted Kousuke left, it was none other than Ryouya who took the lead in caring for his juniors.
"Since I was at the bottom, I was always taken out to eat. I was loved by my seniors more than enough. I wanted to continue that. I don't want to create walls for my juniors in the first place. I may have created a wall for my seniors myself, but maybe I didn't realize it and jumped over it. It's dangerous to be friendly with my seniors and create walls for my juniors (laughs)."
After saying that, I started practicing with Kashif BANGNAGANDE, a left SB who was promoted from FC Tokyo U-18, and answered any questions he had. Just like someone did for me in the past.
At first, Yoshifumi was reserved, but he changed as he came into contact with Ryo's kindness. "You have something that I don't have, so I feel like it would be a waste not to ask." At first, I was hesitant, but when I first joined the top team for practice, both Hirokazu and Ryo spoke to me in a friendly manner. That's why I was able to actively engage in conversation. I really think it's thanks to the two of them."
Kazufumi and I pushed each other and Ryo was selected for the Japan national team for the first time in March 2021. Hirokazu was so happy to hear that, as if it was his own achievement.
"I was so happy when I received the call for my jersey number and when I was selected for the national team. I had said that I wanted to wear number 6 and join the national team, and I am glad that I followed through with my words. Also, I remember him talking shyly about how he was kind to Yoshifu. Being a soccer player is a personal world, but it's not fun if we don't talk to each other and recognize each other as rivals, or if we don't teach anything to younger players. I am happy that Ryo also felt the same way."
Where I Should Be
And with his preparations complete, Ryo decided to take the leap into the world. It was time to open the door to his dreams.
"When I was a child, when it came to soccer matches, it was always about the national team. So when I dreamed of becoming a soccer player, the image I had in mind was always of a Japan national team player. When I decided to join FC Tokyo, I was extremely happy. However, it was a little 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 stepped onto the pitch in the match against South Korea, I felt like I had become the player I had always imagined. I have always admired and wanted to become a player who can play at the center of the Japan national team and also overseas."
In mid-June, just before that, Kousuke and Ryouya reunite. They go out to eat after a long time and the junior who sat knee-to-knee with them seemed a little reliable.
"When I told him to do his best, he would say 'I'll do it' with a shy smile. He has been practicing crosses and I think Ryo can be more aggressive. He has been known for his defensive skills due to the team's situation, but he has always said that he wants to overlap and cross more. I told him to become a more attacking full-back in Portugal. Because I know he can do more."
Ryo asked him, "Do you want to wear number 6 on your back?" The answer was only kind.
"I wonder if being pushy is disliked. But, I would be happy if you wanted to wear it, Yoshifu."
Surely, the consideration and kindness that Ryo left behind at this club will be passed down to the next generation.
Farewell Tokyo, what do you think as you face the beginning of today?
Farewell greetings are not suitable for expressing the feelings of parting. Here, there was Ryoya OGAWA, who was a bit cheeky and full of energy when he first became a professional.
"When I joined, I'm sure my seniors were confused. They must have thought, 'This is just another junior coming to Tokyo, but the atmosphere is different.' At first, it seemed like they thought I was a cheeky guy. But my Tokyo seniors were kind to me. They listened to everything 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 am here because of the many seniors and coaches who have supported me. I really feel blessed. But I've never said or thought, 'I love FC Tokyo.' What should I say...? You don't tell your family you love them, right? FC Tokyo has become the place where I belong, and it has become natural. I will continue to grow there. Wearing the national team uniform is a goal that I must not lose sight of."
Oh, yeah, I remember there was a player who used to joke around and say "I'll play for Real Madrid someday" during his first year. I was surprised by his potential. At the same time, I feel like I haven't seen his true seriousness yet. If I had to say something to him, it would be this.
"Become big, kind-hearted Gentleman Boy"
Text by Yohhei Baba (Football Writer)
