Q, How did you find out that you were selected for the Japan national team?
Before today's practice, I was told by Yuto NAGATOMO, "Do your best," but at first I didn't understand what he meant. I thought it might be about being selected for the national team, but I wasn't sure. After practice, when we gathered as a team, General Manager Jean KOBARA announced it and I found out as well.
Q, what did you think honestly?
A, Honestly, I thought about whether I could join the U-22 Japan national team. I never even considered the Japan national team, so I am still surprised.
Q, Do you have any strong feelings about challenging the Japan national team?
A, I have been able to practice with Nagatomo, who has been active on the World Cup stage. When practicing together, I thought that the World Cup was a stage where people like him could go. I am looking forward to the activities of the Japan national team, where there are many people like Nagatomo.
Q, What kind of play do you want to show?
I think I was selected for my performance in the team. It's natural to defend, but I want to aggressively attack with my own strengths.
Q, Did you talk to Nagatomo after hearing about his selection for the Japan national team?
Player A said, "When I told you to do your best, this is what I meant." At that time, I received very grateful words from player Nagatomo.
Q, What kind of skills do you want to acquire through your activities with the Japan national team?
A, I think it's not the best thing to just go because you're called. I want to play aggressively while focusing on producing results without becoming passive.
Q, At the age of 21, Nagatomo was selected for the Japan national team for the first time. He was selected for the Japan national team at the same age.
At the camp, I was told by Nagatomo that "I joined the national team at 21, so you have to join this year." When I was told about joining the Japan national team, that was the first thing that came to mind.
Q, are you shining brightly?
A, there is also surprise now. There is not much tension, but since I was called, I have the feeling of wanting to do it.
Q, Did you have a feeling that you would be called up to the Japan national team this year?
Rather than a premonition, I thought that if I could produce results with the team, I would be evaluated, even with the U-22 Japan national team. First and foremost, I played while considering the team.
Q, As a prerequisite for being selected for the Japan national team, was it necessary to earn a starting position in Tokyo?
A player in the same position who played an active role in last year's World Cup is right in front of me. I was only thinking about taking the position from that player and playing.
Q, I think that at the time when the U-20 World Cup was cancelled, the focus was shifted to the Paris Olympics, but how do you feel about the difference between the U-5 Japan national team and the Japan national team?
A, I was watching the previous Tokyo Olympics and saw players who were active there also performing well at the Qatar World Cup. Seeing that, I feel like the distance is close. U-22 Japan national team coach Oiwa often talks to the players participating in the U-22 Japan national team about the "Japan national team via Paris Olympics". The players who participate in the Olympics are aware that they need to reach that level of play.
Q, when fighting against the world, I think the players we compare ourselves to also become world players. Please share your thoughts on the world stage.
During the same period as the Qatar World Cup, I was active in the U-21 Japan national team. I was able to play against Spain and Portugal, and I was quite shocked. Based on that, I have been working hard up to this point, including during camps, but I still feel like I am not enough. I think I need to raise my standards to match the world in order to compete on the world stage like player Nagatomo. I am always conscious of that.
Q, What did Mr. Nagatomo say?
A, I will keep it in my heart for now.
Q, Did you watch the footage of Yuto Nagatomo's impressive debut performance for the Japan national team, where he established his position in the team?
I have seen videos of Nagatomo's play, but it is uncertain whether it is footage of when he was first selected for the Japan national team.
Q, Is there anything you feel when fighting as a member of the Japan national team?
A, It would be a waste to become passive. Since I have nothing to lose, I want to aggressively take my position once I am called.
Q, What was the specific impact of last year's European tour?
A, Specifically, it was about playing with the sense that it's okay as long as you can break through in a one-on-one situation, even if the opponent has a strong physical presence and is able to defend against you. Experiencing this changed my own standards.
Q, it gives a calm impression, but this season we hear a lot of strong words like "aggressive". Is it a reflection of your thoughts?
A, The part of being proactive within myself is something I am focusing on this season. I hope to continue showing more and more proactivity.
Q, When analyzing your personality, would you say it is "calm"?
A, I think everyone is considered to be calm. However, there is a part of me that says "I absolutely don't want to lose here." I want to show that side even in the Japan national team.
