Q, How did Terayama join FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi after joining from Niiza Katayama FC Youth Team?
A, I was a member of Niiza Katayama FC Youth Team, and when I won the All Japan U-12 Soccer Championship and became the top scorer, I was approached by someone from Tokyo. That was the beginning.
Q: What was the reason for changing your position from forward to midfielder?
At the beginning of his third year of junior high school, Rei HIRAKAWA was not able to participate in team activities due to his involvement in the national team. At the time, there were also injuries among the players in the defensive midfield position, causing a shortage of players. Coach Masahito KYOZOE suggested that he try playing in the defensive midfield position, and from there he made the switch. As he had not been able to play much as a forward, he saw this as a new challenge. When he joined FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, he was surprised by HIRAKAWA's skill. Even during practice and while on the bench, he consciously watched his play. He did not have any negative feelings about playing in the defensive midfield position.
Q, What was the reason for starting soccer, even though you dreamed of becoming a carpenter in your childhood?
I was watching a TV program called "A, Close to a Carpenter". The family who was having their house built was very happy, and I thought it was cool to see them carefully building their house, so I wanted to become a carpenter. The reason I started playing soccer was because my older brother played soccer and my parents would go watch his games, so I would go with them. I was influenced by that and started playing soccer.
Q, Was there a sense of determination when you were a child, and has it not changed even now?
A, being competitive is my most distinctive characteristic. I wasn't intentionally trying to be competitive, but I think I naturally put in effort and energy towards my feelings and things.
Q, It was said that the time when he started aiming to be a professional soccer player was around the fourth grade of elementary school.
When I was in the fourth grade, I liked soccer, but I also wanted to play basketball. However, I had the chance to watch my youth team, Niiza Katayama FC, play in the semifinal round of the national tournament. Seeing my seniors play in that game made me want to stand on that stage as well. I thought it would feel great to play in front of many people and win the game, so I started to seriously focus on soccer and aim to become a professional soccer player.
Q, What specifically do you need to do to become a professional and focus on your own vector?
There were players who tended to blame others when things didn't go well. I always thought it was important to focus on myself and then figure out how to deal with those around me. In the end, I had the impression that players who couldn't direct their vector towards themselves often didn't do well. Watching that, I realized the importance of directing my vector towards myself.
Q, When you were a member of FC Tokyo U-18, do you remember your official debut in the J3 League Sec. 20 match against YSCC Yokohama?
Player Yohei KAJIYAMA made his debut in the next day's match after being registered as a Type 2 player. He came on as a substitute for Taira SHIGE, who had been carrying the Tokyo team. I vividly remember the feeling of excitement when I stepped onto the pitch after replacing such an amazing player. Being on the pitch as a professional, I could truly feel the intensity.
How did you feel about playing in J3 while belonging to Q and U-18? I think you were accompanying the youth games, but how was your state of mind?
A, what I have always valued is how I can contribute to the team. I have always been conscious of continuing this, whether it be in J3 or in the youth team.
Q, What are some things that have given you confidence on the field and what do you think are areas for improvement?
A, there was a big difference in intensity between the youth and top teams. In the youth team, I was able to play with ease, but there were parts that didn't work in the top team. Even in terms of the accuracy of each pass, in soccer, where you only touch the ball for about 2 minutes per person in 90 minutes, it is important to play without making mistakes. The top team players make fewer mistakes, and I also felt a difference in consciousness and quality of play when talking to them.
Q: What was your goal during your 3 years in high school?
A, of course it was a promotion to the top team. Around the summer of my third year of high school, I received a call from the staff in Tokyo. At first, 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 cancelled.
Q, What was the reason for going to Juntendo University?
A, I participated in the practice of Juntendo University and Meiji University. Meiji University has a high intensity of practice and is one of the teams leading university soccer, and has won many titles. At first, I was thinking of going to Meiji University. At Juntendo University, I had the impression that there were more skilled players than strong players. I have a strong desire to improve my soccer skills, and by actually participating in the practice, I was able to learn that there are many skilled players, so I decided to go to Juntendo University.
Q, U-18, and university, I think you were the captain. Do you feel that you were chosen as captain because of your qualities?
A, I think I was evaluated for the most important part of the team, which is for the team. I increased the number of times I spoke to my teammates during the game, and I was conscious of it even before I was appointed captain.
Q: Do you have a mentor who has been a significant influence on your growth? Are there any turning points that have helped you develop?
A, these are the people who have been involved so far. I have been fortunate to have been coached and guided by really good coaches and staff. Everyone is a mentor, but Coach Makoto KITA, who coached me in my first year of junior high school, always took care of me and talked to me. Even when things didn't go well, he taught me a lot. I am truly grateful. I also learned a lot from Coach COSTA, who was the coach at Juntendo University. I am most grateful for the four years I spent there, where I felt I grew the most.
Q: How was your recovery period from injury?
It was an injury right before the start of the university league. I was more frustrated than anxious. I switched my mindset to accept what happened and focused on rehab so I could return to the pitch as soon as possible.
Q: I think it's also a preparation period for professionals, what were you conscious of in college?
A, becoming a college student, I realized that it was really up to me with a lot of time. What I focused on was not only giving 100% in practice, but also thinking about what the coach was asking for while developing my own strengths, and making up for any shortcomings through self-training. In the professional world, players who graduate from college are often referred to as immediate contributors. I also worked hard in practice with the goal of becoming an immediate contributor. After deciding to turn pro, I felt that it was necessary to work hard as an immediate contributor as a player who went through college while there were players who were promoted from the youth team. During my four years in college, I worked hard to return to Tokyo.
Q, I think you were also selected for the Japan national team for all Japan university selection and age group. Please tell us about your feelings for the national team now.
A, watching the Qatar World Cup, it was the first time I felt so frustrated through the screen. I also wanted to stand on the pitch of the World Cup. Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who was selected for this Japan national team, is a great inspiration for me as a player younger than myself is entering the team. I think that if I can achieve results with the team, the Japan national team is not far away in the world, and if I continue to play with the focus on achieving results, I can naturally get closer to the Japan national team. I want to focus on continuing and achieving results.
Q, do you think that players of the same generation are also on the Japan national team? Do you want to achieve results with the team first? Also, do you have any rival players?
A, the players who entered the professional league this season after graduating from university are rivals. I have a strong desire to be the first one to join the national team.
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 myself, there are things that are required for the entire team and each position. I hope to constantly play by inputting the overall way. The parts that are being evaluated are the parts where I can shout during the game, be tough in the ball, and have a challenging attitude.
Q: "If you were to have a teammate as your brother," and "Which player do you have a good relationship with?" In response to these questions, Hotaka NAKAMURA was chosen. What were the reasons for choosing him?
The main reason is his stoic attitude. We were roommates during camp and he would always stretch before practice. He also pays attention to his meals and I could feel that he has a plan for his daily life. I was influenced by his stoic attitude. He is a senior but also a friend, making it easy to talk to him. Of course, I get along well with my fellow rookie Hisatoshi NISHIDO, as well as Shuto ABE and Koki TSUKAGAWA. Recently, Kei KOIZUMI took me to a cafe. There are so many great players in Tokyo, it's really fun.
Q, there is a chant in Tokyo that says "the city that never sleeps". I think it's a song that I've heard a lot since my academy days. It was also impressive to hear it sung loudly after the last home game.
A: I think "The City That Never Sleeps" is a chant that is sung when Tokyo wins. When you hear it during the game, especially towards the end, it really gets your heart racing. I believe it also serves as a driving force for the players to push through until the end. When I heard it on the pitch, it gave me goosebumps.
Q, Who is your favorite foreign player? I have chosen Jose KANTE, but what kind of play do you want to take advantage of?
A, I don't think there is any player with such high quality in terms of being able to steal the ball, run, and play both offense and defense. I want to become a player who can do the same and I believe I can. I often watch play compilations of players like Jose KANTE, and I also watch J-League games. I don't have a specific player in mind, but I sometimes watch players in my position to see their movements and use them as reference.
Q: What kind of year do you want the 2023 season to be? Please tell us the team's goals and individual goals.
A team's goal is to win the upcoming match and become league champions. As an individual, it is important to contribute to the team's success by playing in more matches and delivering victories to the fans and supporters. I hope to increase my involvement in scoring plays.
Q: What is the strength of "Terayama player is here"?
A, I want you to see the attitude of fighting for the ball.
Q: When asked about the best thing about being a soccer player, you answered "There are many high-level players and a lot of stimulation." What kind of stimulation do you receive?
A, coming from university to the professional world, I felt the intensity first and foremost. This is true for players like Keigo HIGASHI and all the others, but when I went to ask questions during practice, they were already thinking one or two steps ahead and their decision-making speed is incredibly fast. That is still an area where I need to improve and it is a great source of motivation.
Q: Do you have any message for children who dream of becoming professional soccer players?
A, I think the first thing to do to become a professional is to enjoy soccer. If you enjoy it, you will practice and be able to work on it while thinking.
Q, Finally, a word to the fans and supporters.
A, I am determined to win the title this season no matter what. I hope to have the support of many fans. I will do my best to live up to that support.
