Step by step, we have climbed the stairs from the J3 League. Accumulating over 30 official matches each year, we paved the way to the J1 League at the age of 27. The familiar name of the full-back for the blue and red stands on the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium, holding new dreams.
Q: First, please tell us your honest thoughts when you received the offer from FC Tokyo.
I was so happy that I almost cried. At the moment when I had to decide whether to stay with Fagiano Okayama or transfer to another J2 League club, I received a formal offer. I had been waiting for an invitation from a J1 League club, so I finally felt that the path had opened up, and it made me realize that all my efforts had paid off. I made my decision without hesitation, and I was so overwhelmed that I felt like crying.
Q: Was there anything important you considered in making this decision?
A, I have come this far step by step from the J3 League aiming for the J1 League. I don't think I'm at a level where I can choose for myself, so by the time I received the offer, my mind was already made up.
Q: What kind of image did you have of FC Tokyo?
A, FC Tokyo's full-back has the impression of participating in the World Cup every tournament. I am happy to be called from such a club in the same position. Right now, I have a strong desire to learn as much as possible.
Q: Have you ever faced FC Tokyo in practice matches or otherwise? Also, if you have any impressions of their soccer style or the coach from an outside perspective, please share.
A, we probably have never faced each other before. I have a strong image of connecting passes well and getting to the goal. I had the impression that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA played very interesting football during his time at Albirex Niigata. I wanted to play in that environment, and I thought he was a coach who could build a good team.
Q: I think you will be competing as a left back, can you tell me your strong points?
Of course, I believe my interpersonal skills and running ability are strengths, but I think other players also have their own strengths. In terms of something unique to me, I believe my long throw is my own weapon. Even when not in a set position, I have the confidence to throw from a lower position into the space behind the opponent's center-back. I think the long throw when the opponent is caught off guard is a strong point, and I have been using it as a weapon since around the fifth grade of elementary school.
Q: I think a tough competition for positions awaits after joining.
In the three years I have built up in Okayama, I have gained the confidence that I can do it. Now, I believe I just need to do my best without holding back. Since this is my first time in the J1 League, I think there is no problem as long as I focus on my own play without worrying about those around me. I have that much confidence.
Q: I heard you also served as the players' association president in Okayama. You must have had a strong attachment to it, didn't you?
A, the player president just happened to take on this role as the previous president transferred and it slid into this position (laughs). However, I believe I was able to build a good relationship with the supporters. I am the type to respond when I receive messages, so I was encouraged by various words of support. I really liked the city and the people of the prefecture. I also had the feeling that next season, not as an individual but as a team, we aimed for promotion to J1 League, but I thought such opportunities are rare. I made this decision believing that the Okayama supporters would surely send me off warmly.
Q: Have you been in contact with your fellow townsman, former FC Tokyo player Shingo AKAMINE, or Kazumasa UESATO?
I immediately contacted Mr. Shingo when I heard from Tokyo. He lives close to my home in Okayama, and just the other day, we had a meal together, so our families have been taking care of each other. When we talked, he congratulated me with the words 'Congratulations.' When I reported to Mr. Uesato when we met, he encouraged me by saying 'Go for it.'
Q: What were your thoughts and impressions when you faced clubs in the J1 League?
During my time at FC Ryukyu, I was impressed by Teruhito NAKAGAWA's play when he faced Yokohama F.Marinos. Every season, I would write NAKAGAWA in the section for players I disliked facing due to his incredible speed, which made me realize what J1 League is all about. Now that I will be teammates with him, I feel very reassured. I had the impression that each player in the J1 League possesses the ability to break through situations, and I felt they were still a distant presence. However, I believe I have improved significantly over the past year, so I am confident I can keep up.
Q: There has been talk of finally making this challenge, and as you reach the peak of your career at this age, this is your first challenge in the J1 League. How do you feel about this timing?
First, I would like to aim to participate in the opening match of the next season. Then, I want to work towards being selected for the Japan national team in the E-1 Championship two years from now and keep an eye on the World Cup four years from now.
Q, a more specific goal.
I believe that if it's FC Tokyo, we can grow that much. Kota MIZUNUMA also made it to the national team after turning 30 before this World Cup, so I think it's an age where we can seize such opportunities. First, I want to aim for a spot on the national team in the E-1 Championship.
Q: Is the excitement of this tournament influencing your awareness of the World Cup?
A, that's right. Considering my age, I believe this will be my first and last chance for the next North American tournament, so I have become more determined.
Q: Is there anything you want to learn from or be inspired by player Nagatomo, who made his fourth appearance at the age of 36?
I think he is a player who always leads and speaks up in terms of mentality, so I want to learn the most important aspects of both his play and his character up close.
Q. Although the reading of the name is different, it is a name that feels very familiar. Surely there have been times when you were mistaken for Yuhei TOKUNAGA.
Yes, Yuhei TOKUNAGA was also part of the Japan national team and participated in the London Olympics as an over-age player, so of course I know him. However, from now on, I hope to leave an impact here that could make people mistake me for Mr. TOKUNAGA.
Q: What kind of year do you want next season to be?
A, this is a transfer decision made with the genuine desire to contribute to our long-awaited league championship. I want to make this a season where we can all end with smiles.
Q: What impression do you have of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home from now on?
I thought it was a really great stadium with a strong sense of unity when I actually played in the J2 League and when I watched FC Tokyo's matches on DAZN. I've also heard from Akamine that the support for FC Tokyo is amazing, so I want to experience that passion for myself as soon as possible.
Q, then finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters as a business card.
I would like you to remember the name Shuhei TOKUMOTO as soon as possible. Although I am often called Yuhei, I want to show my performance so that you can quickly remember and call me by my name “Shuhei.” Thank you for your support from now on.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
