Q: Terayama joined FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi from Niiza Katayama FC Youth Team, but what was the reason for his joining?
I was approached from Tokyo when I was a member of the A, Niiza Katayama FC youth team, after winning the All Japan U-12 Soccer Championship and becoming the top scorer. That was the trigger.
Q: What prompted you to change your position from forward to defensive midfielder?
At the beginning of my third year in middle school, there was a situation where Rei HIRAKAWA was not with the team due to activities with the age-specific national team. The player who was playing as a defensive midfielder also got injured, and there was a time when we didn't have enough players. Coach Masahito Kyomasa at that time suggested I try playing as a defensive midfielder, and from there I started playing in that position. Since I had hardly played in matches as a forward, when the opportunity to play as a defensive midfielder came up, I thought it was a new challenge for me. When I joined FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, I was surprised by Rei's skill. During practice and even when I was on the bench, I was consciously watching his play. I had no negative feelings about playing as a defensive midfielder at all.
Q: You dreamed of becoming a carpenter in your childhood, but what inspired you to start playing soccer?
I was watching a TV program closely following a carpenter. The family who was having their house built was extremely happy, and seeing the care they put into making the house made me feel it was cool, and I wanted to become a carpenter. The reason I started playing soccer is that my older brother played soccer, and I used to go with my parents to watch his matches. Influenced by that, I thought it was cool and started playing soccer.
Q: You were very passionate about something when you were a child, but has that changed now?
A, my most characteristic trait is being competitive. I didn't put in a lot of effort, but I believe I naturally invest my feelings and energy into things.
Q: It is said that you started aiming to become a professional soccer player in the fourth grade of elementary school.
When I was in the 4th grade of elementary school, I liked soccer, of course, but I wanted to play basketball. However, I had the opportunity to watch the Niiza Katayama FC youth team reach the Semifinal Round of the national tournament. When I saw that match and witnessed the seniors fighting on the field, I felt a strong desire to stand on that stage myself. I thought it would feel great to play in front of various people and win matches, so from that moment on, I dedicated myself to soccer and began aiming to become a professional soccer player.
Q: You mentioned focusing your vector towards becoming a professional. Could you please elaborate on that?
A. I noticed that there were players who tended to blame others when things weren't going well. I always thought it was important to focus on myself and then consider how to improve the situation around me. In the end, I had the impression that players who struggled to focus on themselves were often the ones who weren't doing well. Watching that made me realize the importance of directing my focus inward.
Q: When you were with FC Tokyo U-18, you made your official debut in the J3 League Sec. 20 against YSCC Yokohama. Do you clearly remember that moment?
A, I was registered as a second-class player and made my debut in the next day's match. I came on as a substitute for Yohei KAJIYAMA. I was excited to step onto the pitch in place of such an amazing player who has represented Tokyo, and I remember it vividly. Once I was on the field, I could truly feel how incredible the professional pitch is.
Q: How did you feel about competing in J3 while belonging to the U-18 team? I believe you were accompanying the team while participating in youth matches; what were your feelings about that?
A, what I have always valued is how I can be of help to the team. This is something I have consciously continued to uphold, whether in J3 or in youth.
Q: What do you think has given you confidence in your play, and what do you consider to be challenges?
A. The intensity was significantly different between the youth and top teams. In the youth team, I was able to play with more ease, but there were aspects that did not carry over to the top team. Even in terms of the precision of each pass, in soccer, where a player only touches the ball for about 2 minutes out of 90, it becomes crucial to minimize mistakes while playing. The top team players make fewer mistakes, and I felt the difference in awareness and the quality of play while talking with them.
Q: What was your goal during your three years of high school?
A, of course, it was a promotion to the top team. Around the summer of my third year in high school, I received a message from the Tokyo staff. At the initial stage, the promotion to the top team was put on hold. After the Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship ended, the promotion to the top team was postponed.
Q: What was the reason you decided to attend Juntendo University?
I participated in the practices of Juntendo University and Meiji University. Meiji University has a high intensity of practice and is one of the leading teams in university soccer, having won many titles. At first, I was considering going to Meiji University. At Juntendo University, I had the impression that there were more skilled players than strong players. I had a strong desire to improve my soccer skills, and by actually participating in the practice, I was able to realize that there are many skilled players, so I decided to pursue my path at Juntendo University.
Q: I believe you served as captain for the U-18 and university teams. What do you think were the qualities that led to you being appointed as captain?
I believe I was evaluated on the part that I value the most, For The Team. During the match, I made an effort to encourage my teammates more often, and I was conscious of this even before I was entrusted with the captaincy.
Q: Is there a mentor or someone who has influenced you? Are there any turning points that have been a catalyst for your growth?
A, these are the people who have been involved with me so far. I have truly encountered great coaches, staff, and mentors. Everyone is a mentor to me, but Coach Makoto KITA, who guided me when I was in my first year of junior high school, really cared about me and talked to me. Even when things weren't going well, he taught me various things. I am very grateful. I also learned a lot from Takumi Horiike, who was the coach at Juntendo University. I am truly thankful for the four years of university, which I felt was my greatest period of growth.
Q: I think there was a period of injury, how are you doing?
It was an injury just before the university league started. Rather than feeling anxious, I felt a strong sense of regret. I switched my mindset to accept what had happened and focused on rehabilitation to return to the pitch as soon as possible.
Q: I think it has also been a preparation period for becoming a professional. What were you conscious of during university?
A, as I became a university student and had more time, I really felt it was up to me. Of course, I focused on practicing 100 percent, but I also thought about what the coach was asking for while developing my own characteristics, and I worked on my weaknesses through self-training. In the professional world, players from university backgrounds are often said to be immediate assets. I was also working hard in practice with the hope of becoming an immediate asset. I felt that once I was decided as a professional, that was the starting line, and among those who were promoted from youth, I had to work hard as an immediate asset as a player who went through university. I was working hard during my four years at university to return to Tokyo.
Q: I believe you were selected for the All Japan University Selection and age-specific Japan national team. Please tell us about your feelings regarding the national team now.
A, watching the Qatar World Cup, it was the first time I felt such frustration through the screen. I want to stand on the pitch at the World Cup myself. The selection of Kashif BANGNAGANDE for this Japan national team is very inspiring, especially since he is younger than me. I believe that if we achieve results as a team, the Japan national team is not a distant world, and if we always play with the pursuit of results, we will naturally get closer to the Japan national team. I want to focus on continuing to play and achieving results.
Q: I think players of the same generation are also in the Japan national team. First of all, do you want to achieve results with your team? Also, do you have any rival players?
A. The players who graduated from university and entered the professional league this season are my rivals. I have a strong desire to join the national team as soon as possible.
Q: What do you think is required in Tokyo? Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA highly values the mental aspect, but how do you feel about it?
A, rather than just myself, there are things required from the entire team and each position. I hope to continuously input that overall approach and express it in my play. I believe the parts that are being evaluated are my communication during the match, my ability to be tough in one-on-one situations, and my attitude of challenging multiple times.
Q, "If you could choose a teammate to be your brother, who would it be?" You mentioned Hotaka NAKAMURA as a close player. What made you choose him?
A, the biggest reason is his stoic attitude. We shared a room during camp, and he was stretching in the room before practice. He is particular about his meals, and I felt that he lives his life with a plan. I was influenced by that stoic attitude. He is easy to talk to, treating me like a friend while also being a senior. I get along well with my peer Hisatoshi NISHIDO, as well as Shuto ABE and Koki TSUKAGAWA. Recently, Kei KOIZUMI took me to a café. There are really many great players in Tokyo, and it's fun.
Q: One of my favorite chants in Tokyo is "The City That Never Sleeps." I think it's a song I've heard often since my academy days. It was also impressive to hear it sung loudly after the home game in the last round.
A, I think the chant "The City That Never Sleeps" is sung when Tokyo wins. Hearing it towards the end of the match when we are winning really elevates the mood. I believe it serves as a driving force for the players to push through that last step. When I heard it on the pitch, I got goosebumps.
Q: You mentioned that your favorite foreign player is Jose KANTE. What kind of play do you think you can utilize?
I don't think there is a player who can steal the ball, run, and has high quality in both offense and defense like that. I want to become a player who can do the same, and I believe I can. I try to watch highlight reels centered around Jose KANTE. I also watch the J-League often. It's not that I'm looking at anyone in particular, but I sometimes observe players in the same position to see what kind of movements they make and use that as a reference.
Q: What kind of year do you want the 2023 season to be? Please tell us your team goals and personal goals.
A. As a team, our goal is to win the upcoming match and become league champions. As an individual, I aim to participate in more matches, contribute to the team's victories, and deliver many wins to our fans and supporters. I want to increase my involvement in scoring plays.
Q: What is your strength that makes you say, 'When it comes to Terayama, this is it'?
I want you to see our attitude in battling for the ball.
Q: You answered the question about the benefits of becoming a football player with, "There are many high-level players, which is very stimulating." What kind of stimulation are you receiving?
A. Coming from university to the professional world, I felt the intensity the most. Keigo HIGASHI and all the players think one or two steps ahead when I go to ask questions during practice, and their decision-making speed in play is incredibly fast. That's an area where I still need to improve, and it is very stimulating.
Q: Is there something you would like to tell children who dream of becoming professional soccer players?
A. I think that the first step to becoming a professional is to enjoy soccer. If you find it enjoyable, you will likely practice and approach it with thoughtfulness.
Q: Finally, please say a word to the fans and supporters.
A, I want to win the title at all costs this season. I hope to have many fans supporting us. I will do my best to respond to that support.
