Q: Terayama joined FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi from Niiza Katayama FC Youth Team, but what was the reason for his joining?
A, I belonged to Niiza Katayama FC Youth Team, and when I won the All Japan U-12 Soccer Championship and became the top scorer, I was scouted from Tokyo. That was the trigger.
Q: What prompted you to change your position from forward to defensive midfielder?
A. At the beginning of the third year of junior high school, Rei HIRAKAWA was absent from the team due to activities with the age-group national team. There was a time when the player who played as a defensive midfielder got injured, and the team was short of players. Coach Masahito Kyomasu at that time asked me if I wanted to try playing as a defensive midfielder, and from there I started playing matches in that position and switched roles. Since I had hardly played any matches as a forward, when the opportunity to play as a defensive midfielder came, I saw it as a new challenge. When I joined FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, I was surprised by Rei HIRAKAWA's skill. I consciously watched his play both during practice and when I was on the bench. I never felt any discomfort about playing as a defensive midfielder.
Q: You dreamed of becoming a carpenter in your childhood, but what inspired you to start playing soccer?
A, I was watching a TV program closely following a carpenter. The family having their house built was very happy, and seeing the carpenter carefully crafting 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 distinctive personality trait is being very competitive and hating to lose. I wasn't consciously putting in effort, but I believe I naturally put my heart 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.
A, when I was in the 4th grade of elementary school, I liked soccer of course, but I wanted to play basketball. However, the Niiza Katayama FC youth team I belonged to made it to the semifinal round of the national tournament, and I had the opportunity to go see it. When I watched that match and saw the seniors at the time fighting on the field, I instantly felt a strong desire to stand on that stage myself. I thought it would feel great to play in front of many people and win matches, so from then on, I devoted myself seriously 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?
There were players around me who tended to blame others when things didn't go well. I always thought it was important to direct the vector toward oneself first, and then consider how to influence those around you. In the end, I had the impression that players who rarely directed the vector toward themselves were often the ones who struggled. Watching that, I felt the importance of directing the vector toward oneself.
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, registered as a Type 2 player, and made his debut in the next day's match. He came on as a substitute for Yohei KAJIYAMA. I was excited and clearly remember stepping onto the pitch, replacing such an amazing player who has carried Tokyo on his back. Playing 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 always valued was how I could contribute to the team. I was conscious of continuing this mindset consistently, whether in J3 or in the youth team.
Q: What do you think has given you confidence in your play, and what do you consider to be challenges?
A, there was a significant difference in intensity between the youth and the top team. In the youth team, I was able to play with ease, but that didn't work when I moved up to the top team. Even in terms of the accuracy of each pass, since a player only touches the ball for about 2 minutes in a 90-minute soccer match, it is important to play without making mistakes. The players in the top team make fewer mistakes, and when talking with them, I felt differences in awareness and the quality of play.
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 was approached by 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 practice sessions at Juntendo University and Meiji University. Meiji University has high-intensity training and is one of the leading teams in university soccer, having 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 rather than just strong players. I had a strong desire to improve my soccer skills, and after actually joining the practice sessions and realizing there were many skilled players, I decided to choose Juntendo University as my path.
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?
A, I believe I was evaluated for the part where I value the 'for the team' aspect the most. Even during matches, I made an effort to talk to my teammates more often, and I had been consciously working on that even before being entrusted with the captain role.
Q: Is there a mentor or someone who has influenced you? Are there any turning points that have been a catalyst for your growth?
<div>A, these are the people involved so far. I have truly met great managers, coaches, and staff who have guided me. All of them are my mentors, but Coach Makoto KITA, who coached me when I was in the first year of junior high school, really cared about me and talked to me. He taught me various things even when things weren't going well. I am very grateful. I also learned a lot from Mr. Takumi Horiike, who was the manager of Juntendo University. Those four years at university were when I felt I grew the most, so I am truly thankful.
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 rushed, I felt a strong sense of frustration. I accepted that what happened couldn't be helped, changed my mindset, 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. When I became a university student and had more time, I truly felt it was all up to me. What I focused on was, first of all, giving 100% in practice, of course, but also thinking about what the coach expected while developing my own strengths, and making up for any shortcomings through extra practice on my own. In the professional world, players coming from university are often said to be ready to contribute immediately. I was also training with the hope of becoming an immediate asset. The real starting line is after turning pro, and while there are players promoted from the youth ranks, I felt I had to work hard as a player coming through university to be an immediate contributor. During my four years at university, I was working hard 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 even through the screen. I also wanted to stand on the World Cup pitch. Kashif BANGNAGANDE was selected for this Japan national team, and having a younger player than myself in the national team is very inspiring. I believe that if you achieve results with your team, the Japan national team is not a distant world, and if you always play seeking results, you will naturally get closer to the Japan national team. I want to focus on continuing to work hard 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 joined the professional league this season after graduating from university are my rivals. I have the desire to be the first 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 focusing on myself, there are expectations for the entire team and for each position. I aim to consistently apply the overall approach in my play. The aspects that are being appreciated include my communication during matches, my aggressive play in one-on-one situations, and my attitude of repeatedly challenging myself.
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 number one reason is his stoic attitude. We shared a room at the camp, and he was stretching in the room even before practice. He is particular about his meals, and when talking in the room, I felt that he lives each day with a plan. I was influenced by that stoic attitude. Although he is a senior, he interacts with me like a friend, so he is easy to talk to. Of course, I am close with Hisatoshi NISHIDO, who is in the same class, and the same goes for Shuto ABE and Koki TSUKAGAWA. Kei KOIZUMI took me to a cafe the other day. Tokyo really has many great players, and it’s enjoyable.
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 City That Never Sleeps" is a chant sung when Tokyo wins. When you hear it near the end of the match while winning, it really lifts your spirits. I believe it also serves as a driving force for the players to push just a little harder. 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?
A, I don't think there is any player who can steal the ball that much, run that much, and has such high quality in both offense and defense. I want to become a player who can do the same, and I believe I can. I often watch highlight reels centered on Jose KANTE. I also watch the J.League frequently. It's not about any particular player, but I sometimes refer to how players in the same position as me move.
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 matches and become league champions. Personally, I aim to participate in more games, contribute to the team's victories, and deliver many wins to our fans and supporters. I want to increase my involvement in plays that lead to scoring.
Q: What is your strength that makes you say, 'When it comes to Terayama, this is it'?
A, I want you to see the attitude of fighting 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 was the highest. Like Keigo HIGASHI and all the players, when I went to ask questions during practice, they were thinking one or two steps ahead, and their decision-making speed in play is incredibly fast. That is the part I still lack, and it is very inspiring.
Q: Is there something you would like to tell children who dream of becoming professional soccer players?
A. I think the first thing to do to become a professional is to enjoy playing soccer. If you find it fun, you will practice and be able to work on it thoughtfully.
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 many fans will support us. We will do our best to live up to their cheers.
