TOKYOism

 【Comment】
Hello everyone. This is Yuto NAGATOMO from FC Tokyo.

This time, I was selected for the Japan national team for the World Cup.

Since being selected, the memories of playing in the World Cup four years ago have come flooding back. Over these four years, there have been not only difficult and enjoyable moments but also many painful experiences. However, I have come this far with the determination to clear the regret from that experience in this Qatar tournament.

I have just been selected, so this is the starting line. I feel like I have finally reached the starting line. In this tournament, I want to do my best to contribute to the success of the Japan national team and to actively contribute to the team's results. I hope everyone will support us.

【Q&A】
Q: Based on your experience in three tournaments, what experiences does player Nagatomo want to utilize? What points should be noted when facing strong countries to achieve your goals?
Yes, that's right. First of all, I have experienced three World Cups, and of course, there are good memories from those World Cups, but I think I have more World Cups where I felt regret. So, I have mentioned this many times, but I believe that the only way to resolve that regret is on the stage of the World Cup. Just like the tournament in Russia, I have come this far while carrying the pain of that regret in my heart, so I definitely want to achieve the best results to heal that.
Since it is a team sport, it is important for the team to come together as one. Of course, I believe that in order to achieve results, we need to become a team where not only the players on the field but also those who are not playing share a united spirit. Drawing from my experience in three tournaments, I see myself as a mental support for everyone, a source of energy that encourages and uplifts, and I hope to be able to be a part of that.

Q: I think there were really tough times over the past four years, but which moments were the hardest for you, Nagatomo, and how did you overcome them to get to this point?
A, difficult things... Well, I think the wonderful criticism from everyone was the most challenging for me. It was both painful and energizing, so I have always said that criticism is like gasoline, and that is truly the case. Conversely, I believe that the criticism and the articles you write have inspired me and ignited a fire in my soul. Furthermore, as I overcame those difficult times, I think I became mentally stronger. I feel that if I continue like this, I might become a mental monster, thanks to all of you who have trained me. I want to give back that strength not only to myself but also to the team, and I will do my best to contribute to the team's progress.

Q: Although players Osako and Haraguchi were not selected, I believe that in the absence of such players, Nagatomo has a role in leading the team and conveying experiences that meet world standards. What do you think?
A, I was really surprised by the two people's elimination, and since they are comrades with whom I have fought through difficult times, I feel very sad and disappointed. However, it might be an exaggeration to say that I carry their feelings with me, but I want to do my best so that I can take the hearts of my comrades who have fought alongside me to Qatar and continue to fight together.

Q: Looking back, you participated in the World Cup for the first time with FC Tokyo, then went on to play for Inter Milan and Galatasaray, and now you will participate again as a player for FC Tokyo. It is quite rare to have changed teams this much, and as a field player, you are the first to be selected for four consecutive tournaments. Please tell us about this historic record.
A, my past evaluations and my own evaluations have never been high, so I have never been satisfied even once. That’s why I think I can keep working hard with dreams and goals. Also, in the 1st Round of the World Cup, I fought in the South Africa tournament representing FC Tokyo, my favorite club, and after spending 11 years abroad, I have returned to this beloved club. I feel very proud to be able to represent the name of FC Tokyo in the World Cup, a global tournament. Anyway, who is that guy? That 36-year-old runs like a monster; which team's player is he? I believe that this will help spread the name of FC Tokyo around the world, and I want to perform at that level as a way of giving back.

Q: You mentioned that the frustrating feelings from the last tournament have resurfaced, particularly regarding the last play of the match against Belgium. How have you connected those feelings of frustration since then?
I only felt regret, so I have been connected to it all along. Of course, it has appeared in my dreams, and at times, that scene, that 14 seconds, constantly comes to my mind, and I have endured painful feelings. However, because of that, I was able to push through the tough daily training, and even amidst a lot of criticism when my performance wasn't showing, I had a strong determination to reach that point and definitely look back on it. Everything is a frustrating memory, but I believe it has become my driving force and connects to the present.

Q: If you participate, playing in the World Cup will mark your 12th appearance, setting an unprecedented record as the sole leader for the Japan national team. What are your thoughts on this?
A, how about it? To be honest, I don't really care that much. I think it's more about how much I can contribute to the Japan national team than the numbers I have participated in. So, while I acknowledge the four tournaments represented by the number four, I'm not satisfied just to participate. Playing in the World Cup and performing well for the Japan national team is everything to me, so I don't focus too much on those numbers.

Q: Please tell us your thoughts on participating in the World Cup at the age of 36.
Four years ago, I was often told that I was quite old, but now, four years later at 36, I can show that I am still here. This gives me confidence that everything I have done and the efforts I have made were not in vain. I have received a lot of support to get this far, and I am grateful for that. By performing well, I believe I can shine a spotlight on those who have supported me, so I will do my best to succeed.

Q: Player Kamada has also been selected from his hometown of Ehime Prefecture. Please share a word about your feelings for your hometown, Ehime.
A, I grew up in Ehime until I was 15, and I really love the Saijo Festival. Even now, I watch videos of the Saijo Festival, and my children can sing the songs of the festival. I have strong feelings about it. I have heard that many people are supporting us in Ehime, so I will do my best to repay that support, as I believe the spirit of Ehime and the momentum of the Saijo Festival are what made me a festival person.

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