Q, first of all, welcome back.
A, I'm back. Thank you.
Q, Was the atmosphere different from previous age-specific national teams, not only in the Japan national team's matches but also in practice?
A, that's right. In the age-specific national team, it was a gathering of players of the same age, but this time there were players from various age groups. This time, each one is a top player who plays in the world's top leagues. The level of tension was on a completely different scale and was incredible.
Q: How was the tension of the match at the Japan National Stadium?
A, I was always ready to play. When the match actually started and I was warming up in the second half, I was honestly quite nervous, wondering if I would be called, and what I would do if I was.
Q: You started in the match against Colombia, but did you have a feeling you would play in the practice after the match against Uruguay?
During practice, I felt that the full-backs had opportunities. I was prepared for the match against Uruguay, but when I didn't play, I switched my mindset and prepared for the next match against Colombia, thinking I might get to play.
Q: How was it to participate in the match?
A, to be honest, I don't think I performed very well. I conceded the first goal on the defensive side, and it happened because of me. So, honestly, my evaluation isn't very good. However, I had been discussing with Kaoru Mitoma about our side play since two days before the match, and there were a few moments that went well. Not being able to turn that into results is a challenge.
Q: Did you feel that you were able to showcase what you developed in Tokyo, such as positioning, throughout the match?
A, it was a style of football similar to Tokyo's. The full-backs moved inside, and the relationship between the wingers and full-backs created openings. I was accustomed to that style, so I think I was able to enter the match more smoothly than other players.
Q: You were also the kicker for set plays.
A, I knew I might become the kicker during the practice sessions the day before and the day before that. I haven't been able to kick a good ball in Tokyo for the last few matches. I've only kicked one, but I relaxed my shoulder and was able to kick it exactly where I aimed, which gave me confidence. I want to be able to do that in Tokyo as well.
Q: Were you nervous about the match against Colombia?
I was extremely nervous. During the warm-up, I was so tense that it felt like I was losing the ball every time, but that’s when I was able to clear my mind. Even in Tokyo, I have the feeling that if my warm-up doesn’t go well, I can still enter the match feeling relaxed. I kept telling myself that even if I made mistakes during the warm-up, I could still enter the match in a good state of mind.
Q: Were you not nervous during the match?
A, I was somewhat calm, but when I entered and sang the national anthem, I felt once again that I was standing on the pitch as a member of the Japan national team. I was more excited than nervous.
Q: You wore the number 5 of the great senior.
A, I also found out about it after practice ended at the same time as everyone else by looking at posts on Instagram and Twitter from Tokyo. I was surprised. It is truly an honor to wear the number that Player Nagatomo has carried for 15 years. However, I still believe I have not reached the same level, so I don't know if I will become number 5 from now on, but I will continue to give my all and hope to show what a Tokyo side back is like.
Q: Did you talk about anything with Yuto Nagatomo after returning?
A, I was told, "I have carried this for 15 years, so you should do it with that much determination too." This time it's number 5, and I don't know what will happen when I'm chosen again, but for me, the number 5 is strongly associated with player Nagatomo. That won't change.
