Ryoya OGAWA prepared for his journey and took flight to Portugal.
Kashif BANGNAGANDE's back that was chasing is no longer by my side. However, the goals I want to achieve are still firmly in my grasp. I dream of the day when I can stand beside him and surpass him.
The chase between the two is still ongoing.
The lineage of full-backs that Yoshifumi, who grew up in blue and red, has witnessed. With a heart full of gratitude, he runs towards becoming the best full-back in Japan.
Q: What is your image of a side back in Tokyo, as Kafumi, who aims to be the best side back in Japan, thinks?
When it comes to side backs in Tokyo, there is an image of the Japan national team. Regarding playing style, there may not be a specific form. (Yuto) NAGATOMO, (Kosuke) OTA, (Sei) MUROYA, and (Ryo) RYOYA each have their own unique qualities and characteristics. However, everyone has their own special weapons. It is precisely because of those outstanding weapons that they are selected for the Japan national team. I also want to develop my own weapons while addressing my challenges.
Q: Please tell us about the time and circumstances when Kafumi Yoshifusa, who played in an attacking position, was converted to a side back.
I have played in various positions, but the first time I played as a side back was when I was in middle school. I originally liked attacking play, so I strongly felt, "Why do I have to play as a side back?" and I didn't really like it at that time. Even after I seriously switched positions in my second year of high school, I thought I shouldn't lose the attacking aspect, which is my characteristic. I wanted to fight there, and I had the confidence that I could fight there. It's about how much difference I can create in attack and how I can lead the team to victory. That's the part I want to compete in as myself.
Q: Is there anyone who has influenced you the most so far?
My older brother, who played soccer, was the closest person to me and my first role model. It was always said by my parents, as a matter of course, to be grateful to those around me.
Q, that is the origin that connects to the kindness of player Yoshifumi.
A, my family is much kinder than I am. My dad is also incredibly kind to me.
Q, perhaps it's because I've been treated kindly that I can be kind to others.
Yes, I really think so. It may be thanks to the kindness I received from my family.
Q, Speaking of gratitude, it is a phrase that Nagatomo has continued to express since his rookie days.
A, I have also cherished those words for a long time. In playing soccer, for example, gratitude towards referees, respect for opponents, and appreciation for the fans and supporters who cheer for us are extremely important. It may be a personal impression, but players who lack a sense of respect tend to disappear before they become professionals. It's that important, and I believe that it's not just about playing soccer.
After turning professional, the kind role model Ryoya OGAWA, who always cared for me, would always ask, "How was today's practice?" and listened to me attentively.
Q: Player Ogawa is often misunderstood as being light-hearted or frivolous, but perhaps it was because he had such feelings that he was able to realize the essence.
A, you are really solid, Ryo-kun. Indeed, I had that image at first too, but I realized quickly. I noticed that you were really paying attention. I felt from the time I participated in practice during high school that you are completely different from what everyone thinks.
Q: You mentioned that when things weren't going well, player Ogawa encouraged you.
In my third year of high school, I was able to participate in practice and even play in matches for the top team, but during my first year as a professional, there was a period of about three months when I was on the bench after the league resumed but couldn't get into the game. It wasn't that I lacked motivation, but I was overthinking things, and nothing was going well. During that time, almost every time after practice, Ryo-kun would ask me, "How was today's practice?" He listened attentively to my concerns about not doing well and everything going wrong. We often practiced together on the left side, and for example, during drills that started with the left back attacking, I was missing all the balls behind me during that tough period. Once I made a mistake, it continued to spiral out of control. During those times, he advised me, "Why not just kick it without thinking?" Ryo-kun was always the one who reached out to me when I was really struggling. He is truly a kind person.
Q: I was curious why the reserved player Yoshifumi was able to actively ask questions to his seniors.
A, when I first participated in practice, the relationship between Kosuke and Ryo was really good, and I was able to join without feeling nervous. I think that’s why I didn’t hold back with the two of them. It’s strange for me, but I was able to blend in smoothly. I’ve never thought even once while sitting on the bench that Ryo should "make a mistake." When Ryo made good plays, on the contrary, I thought, "I got to see a good play," and it motivated me. I believe it’s because I’ve always tried to learn good things from Ryo. Even during matches, there were always discoveries about how to handle situations like this. There was a sense of rivalry, but I was always focused on wanting to learn.
Daily lessons from Yuto NAGATOMO, who knows the world, and advice that lightens the heart. "I am confident that learning from these seniors is the right choice."
Q: By the way, what kind of conversations do you have with player Nagatomo?
I hear various discussions daily about mental aspects, technical skills in soccer, including interpersonal relationships and positioning. The most impressive thing is the mindset. Even from the sidelines, I think it's amazing. I believe that this person could succeed in any environment, based on their behavior in matches, practices, and the training room.
Q: As Kafumi Yoshifusa aims for the world, there must be many things to learn.
A player who has experienced the top level of the world, so there is much to learn. Until recently, he was playing in a league at that level, so I asked him about what young players overseas eat, and it's valuable to hear from someone who knows that reality.
Q: Where does the attitude of learning and the desire for improvement come from?
A, the fullbacks in Tokyo may be the best players at the national level. Being here, I can definitely grow, and I have the desire to surpass these individuals. From the achievements left by my seniors, I am also confident that learning from these people is the right choice.
Q: Player Ogawa also mentioned that he often imitated Player Ota.
I started by watching how Ryo-kun does things and trying to imitate him to shape my own style. Personally, I often find myself feeling down or losing my rhythm, which tends to carry over to the next day. However, Ryo-kun was really good at switching his mindset even when the team wasn't doing well. It's the complete opposite of me, but no matter how bad the team situation was, Ryo-kun never brought a negative atmosphere to practice. That was the most educational part for me, and I always thought it was something I lacked. I want to be like that too, and Ryo-kun told me, 'Don't think too much. Try to think more easily.'
Q: Just being able to put my feelings into words has lightened my heart.
A, yes. Also, watching you, Ryoya-kun, behave that way made me realize that there are ways to do things like that.
An original weapon that no one else has, polished to be a player worthy of the blue-red fullback. The goal is to be known as "When it comes to Tokyo's fullbacks, it's Yoshifumi."
Q: Please tell us about your determination as the new left-back for Tokyo after player Ogawa's transfer to Portugal.
I honestly think that I can't play in a way that makes everyone think, "When it comes to Tokyo's full-backs, it's Yoshifumi." First and foremost, I need to play in a way that I can proudly say that to myself. My ideal is to be a full-back that everyone finds interesting. Being able to defend is a given, but I want to show a difference in attack compared to others. Whether it's through movement, game control, crosses, or anything else, I want to be recognized for having unique characteristics that set me apart. I want to become that kind of full-back.
Q: Player Ota met Coach Ranko POPOVIC and started taking free kicks for the first time. He polished it into his unique weapon. Player Ogawa also mentioned that he practiced 100 free kicks every day during high school. Besides crosses, do you want to become a set-piece kicker?
This year, I have taken free kicks and corner kicks in several matches. Yukisan (Yukihiko SATO Coach) also mentioned that he wants to see if Yoshifumi can take them, so I would like to try kicking them myself. I still lack confidence, though. I have been working on crosses with Yukisan and Tetsu NAGASAWA (current head coach of Kyoto SANGA F.C.), and it is becoming one of my strengths. I am grateful to Yukisan and Tetsu, and I want to continue to refine this skill.
Q: The number 6 for Tokyo has been worn by Yasuyuki KONNO, Ota, and Ogawa, who are players of the Japan national team. Do you hope to wear it someday?
I understand that the number 6 jersey in Tokyo has been worn by amazing players. I don't know if it will be this season or next season, or when it will be. If I feel that I am a worthy player, I might want to wear it. But right now, I think what’s more important than the jersey number is how much I can become a suitable player as a side back for Tokyo. If I can achieve that and feel that I am a player who deserves it, then I would like to wear it.
Q: I think it's time to stand on my own now that the player I was chasing has disappeared.
A, with the player I have looked up to until now gone, this is where the real challenge begins. Even though Ryoya is no longer here, Yuto, Junya SUZUKI, Hotaka NAKAMURA, and Shuto OKANIWA are still here. I don't think the position has opened up, and the competition will become even fiercer. From here on, it will be about how much results we can achieve. Results will also become important for the team, and we need to be more ambitious. That has been what I have lacked the most until now, so I want to focus on the numbers for goals and assists.
The journey to the promised stage continues. Reuniting with the Japan national team, it's a competition against those I want to surpass. "I have always wanted to seriously surpass them."
Q: Do you want to continue competing with player Ogawa in the future?
A, Ryo-kun went abroad first, but I want to reunite in a place at a higher level. First, I think it's important to contribute to Tokyo and see how much result I can achieve. That's all I'm thinking about. If I put my all into that, I will naturally reach such a place. If we can reunite there, there would be nothing happier than that. It's also one of my goals, so I definitely want to make it happen.
Q, and do you want to surpass it someday?
A, because I have always wanted to surpass them seriously. I have not yet been able to surpass them at all, and I have set off for overseas. That goal is not yet finished, so I definitely want to achieve it someday.
Text by Kohei Baba (Football Writer)
