Climbing up the stairs one step at a time from the J3 League. Accumulating over 30 official matches every year, and thus paving the way to the J1 League at the age of 27. The side back with a familiar name for the blue and red, holds a new dream and stands on the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q, Please tell us your honest impression when you received an offer from FC Tokyo.
A, I was so happy that I almost cried. At the timing of deciding whether to stay with Fagiano Okayama or transfer to another J2 league club, I received a formal offer. I have been waiting for an offer from a J1 league club, so I finally felt like the path had opened up and that all my efforts had paid off. I made the decision without hesitation and was so overwhelmed that I almost cried.
Q, Was there anything important you considered in making this decision?
We have taken one step at a time from J3 League to aim for the J1 League. When I was approached, I had already made up my mind because I don't consider myself a player of the level that I choose.
Q, What was your image of FC Tokyo?
A, FC Tokyo's side back has the impression of participating in the World Cup every tournament. I am happy to be called from such a club as the same position. Now, I have a strong desire to learn as much as possible.
Q, Have you ever played against FC Tokyo, including practice matches? Also, if you have any impressions of their soccer style or coach from an outside perspective, please let me know.
A, I probably haven't played against them before. I have a strong image of connecting passes and going to the goal. I had the impression that coach Albert Puig Ortoneda was playing very interesting football even 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?
A, of course, I think that my interpersonal skills and running abilities are strengths, but I also think that other players have these strengths as well. In terms of something that other players don't have, I think that my long throw is my own weapon. Even without setting it up, I have confidence in throwing from a low position to the space behind the opponent's center back. I think that the long throw when the opponent is off guard is a strong point, and I have been using it as a weapon since I was in fifth grade of elementary school.
Q, I think there will be a tough position battle waiting after joining.
In the three years I have been building up in Okayama, I have gained the confidence to believe that I can do it too. Now, I just think that I will do it without hesitation. First of all, since it is my first J1 league, I think it is only necessary to focus on my own play without worrying about those around me. I have that much confidence.
Q, it seems that you were also the player representative in Okayama, but did you also have a strong attachment?
A, the player representative became the captain because the previous one transferred and it happened to be that way (bitter smile). However, I think I was able to build a good relationship with the supporters. I am the type to return a message when I receive one, so I was also encouraged by various words of support. I really loved the city and the people of the prefecture. Also, next season, I had the desire to aim for promotion to the J1 league as a team, not as an individual, but I thought that opportunities like this don't come often. I believe that the Okayama supporters will send me off warmly and I made this decision.
Q, have you been in contact with fellow FC Tokyo alumni Shingo AKAMINE and Kazumasa UESATO, who are from the same hometown as you?
A, I immediately contacted Shingo when I heard the news from Tokyo. Even in Okayama, our homes are close and we have been taken care of by each other's families, as we recently had a meal together. When I told him the news, he congratulated me. When I met Uesato, she also encouraged me by saying "Go for it".
Q, What were your thoughts and impressions when you played against J1 League clubs in the past?
During my time at FC Ryukyu, I had the opportunity to play against Teruhito NAKAGAWA of Yokohama F.Marinos. His performance left a strong impression on me. Every season, in my profile, I would write NAKAGAWA as one of the players I didn't want to face due to his incredible speed. It made me realize what the J1 League was all about. Now, to have him as a teammate, I feel very confident. I used to think that J1 League players were all equipped with the ability to break through any situation, and they seemed like distant figures to me. However, I believe I have improved my skills in the past year, and I have the confidence to compete at this level.
Q, there was also talk of finally reaching the peak of your career in terms of age, and this is your first challenge in the J1 League. How do you feel about this timing?
First, I want to aim to participate in the opening game of next season. And then, I want to be selected for the Japan national team in the E-1 Championship in two years and aim for the World Cup in four years.
Q, more specific goals, right?
I believe that if it's FC Tokyo, I can grow to that extent. Mr. Kota Mizunuma also made his national team debut after turning 30 before this World Cup, so I think it's the age to seize such opportunities. First of all, I want to aim for a national team call-up for the E-1 Championship.
Q, Does the excitement of this tournament also affect your awareness of the World Cup?
A, yes. In terms of age, I think it's my first and last chance (for the next North American tournament), so I feel even more determined.
Q, do you have anything you want to learn or be inspired by from player Nagatomo, who made his fourth appearance at the age of 36?
A, I think he is a player who always stands at the forefront and speaks out in terms of mentality, so I want to learn not only the play but also the most important human aspect from him.
Q, Although the pronunciation of the name is different, it is a name that gives a strong sense of déjà vu. There may have been times when he was mistaken for Yuhei TOKUNAGA.
A, Yuhei TOKUNAGA was also a member of the Japan national team and played in the London Olympics as an overage player, so of course I know him. However, from now on, I hope that Tokunaga will leave an impact here that will make people mistake me for him.
Q, What kind of year do you want to have next season?
A, this is a transfer that I decided to make in order to truly contribute to our long-awaited league championship. I hope we can all end the season with a smile.
Q, What is your impression of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home from now on?
When I actually played in the J2 League and watched FC Tokyo's games on DAZN, I thought it was a great stadium with a strong sense of unity. I've also heard from Akamine-san that FC Tokyo's supporters are amazing, so I can't wait to experience that passion firsthand.
Q, Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters as a business card substitute.
A, I want you to remember the name Shuhei TOKUMOTO as soon as possible. I am often called Yuhei, but I want to show my performance so that you can remember and call my name "Shuhei" as soon as possible. Thank you for your support from now on.
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
