Q: In what situation did you learn that you were selected for the Japan national team?
A, before today's practice, I was told by Yuto NAGATOMO, "Do your best out there," but at first, I didn't understand what he meant. I thought it might be about the national team selection, but I was wondering what it was. After practice, when the team gathered, I learned from General Manager Obara during the announcement.
Q: What did you think honestly?
A, to be honest, I thought it was about whether I could be selected for the U-22 Japan national team. I never even considered the Japan national team, so I am still surprised.
Q, do you have any feelings that are heightened by the challenge of the Japan national team?
A, I have been able to practice with player Nagatomo, who has been active on the stage of the World Cup. While practicing together, I thought that the World Cup is a stage where such people can go. I am looking forward to the activities of the Japan national team, as I believe there will be many people like player Nagatomo there.
Q: What kind of play do you want to show?
I believe I was selected for my performance on the team. While it's natural to defend, I want to be aggressive in the attacking aspect, which is my strength.
Q, Did you talk to player Nagatomo after hearing about the Japan national team selection?
A, "So this is what you meant when you said 'do your best'," I said. 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?
I believe that just going because you are called is the worst thing. I want to focus on actively producing results without becoming passive, and I want to play aggressively.
Q: Player Nagatomo was also selected for the Japan national team at the age of 21. He was selected for the Japan national team at the same age.
During the camp, player Nagatomo said to me, "I joined the national team at 21, so I 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 feeling excited?
A, there is some surprise now. I don't feel much tension, but since I've been called, I am determined to give it my all.
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 we produced solid results as a team, like with the U-22 Japan national team, we would be evaluated positively. First and foremost, I was focused on playing for the team.
Q: Wasn't it necessary to secure a starting position in Tokyo as a preliminary step to being selected for the Japan national team?
A, there is a player in the same position who performed well in last year's World Cup right in front of me. I was playing with the sole thought of taking the position from that player.
Q: I think that when the U-20 World Cup was canceled, you shifted your focus to the Paris Olympics. How do you feel about the difference between the age-specific Japan national team and the Japan national team?
A. Watching the last Tokyo Olympics, I saw players who excelled there also thriving at the Qatar World Cup. Seeing that made me feel a close connection. Coach Oiwa of the U-22 Japan national team often talks about the "Japan national team route to the Paris Olympics" in front of the players participating in the U-22 Japan national team. The players aiming for the Olympics must be aware that they need to reach that level and play accordingly.
Q: When competing against the world, I believe the players we compare ourselves to will also be world-class players. Please share your thoughts on the stage of the world.
During the same period as the Qatar World Cup, I was involved in activities with the U-21 Japan national team. I had the opportunity to play matches against Spain and Portugal, which was quite a shock for me. Using that as a benchmark, I have been working hard, including during the camp, but I still feel that I am not enough. I believe that if I do not align my standards with the world, I will not be able to compete on the global stage like player Nagatomo. This is something I am always conscious of.
Q: What did you hear from player Nagatomo?
A, I will keep it in my heart for now.
Q: It seems that Nagatomo played well in his debut match for the Japan national team and built his position in the team. Have you seen any footage from that time?
A, I am not sure if this is the footage from when he was first selected for the Japan national team, but I have seen videos of Nagatomo's play.
Q, Do you feel anything about fighting as a member of the Japan national team?
A, Being passive is the biggest waste. I have nothing to lose, so since I've been called up, I want to go all out and take the position.
Q: What specifically was the shock you experienced during last year's European expedition?
A, specifically, it was the feeling of playing with physical strength and being able to break free in one-on-one situations even when being pressured by the opponent's defense. Experiencing that changed my standards.
Q: You give a calm impression, but this season I hear many strong words like 'aggressive'. Is this a reflection of your feelings?
A, this season I am focusing on being more proactive. I hope to show more and more proactivity.
Q: When analyzing your personality, would you say you are "calm"?
A, I think everyone probably sees me as calm. However, there is a part of me that says, 'I absolutely do not want to lose here.' I want to express that part even in the Japan national team.
