The Japan National Stadium was filled with excitement after the victory in the Tamagawa Classico, the first since the 2018 season. After the match, the Tokyo players, dressed in blue T-shirts, reported the victory to the blue and red supporters who filled the stands.
Hotaka Everyone is waiting You’ll never walk alone
What was written there was a message for Hotaka NAKAMURA, who suffered a serious injury with a ruptured right Achilles tendon just before the end of the match against Albirex Niigata in Sec. 10, forcing him to be sidelined for about 6 months.
"We are fighting alongside Hodaka."
The message was conveyed, and the flow that involved fans and supporters in supporting player Nakamura was created by the thoughtful arrangement of a certain player, the team's feelings, and the team manager who worked hard to shape those feelings.
A T-shirt filled with thoughts confirmed in about 3 hours
It was May 2nd.
With an away game against Avispa Fukuoka the next day, during the journey to the venue, a player casually spoke to Chief Manager Kazuki Ban.
"Is there anything we can do to encourage Hodaka?"
The one who reached out was Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who himself has experienced a long-term absence due to a serious injury.
"When I was with Yokohama F.Marinos, there was a player who suffered a serious injury during the season. To convey my feelings for him and to show that we were fighting together as a 'family' for him, we wore uniforms with his message on the front and our numbers on the back during warm-ups. Because of that experience, I suggested it to Chief Manager Ban."
Tsuyoshi NAKAMA's strong desire to overcome various hardships together with his teammates, based on his own experiences and having witnessed a serious injury to a teammate. This can be said to be an idea unique to Tsuyoshi NAKAMA, who values the 'family' and 'unity' he felt during the process of winning the league championship twice during his time at Yokohama FM above all else.
To respond to that feeling, Manager Ban also quickly takes action.
"First of all, I struggled a lot with what kind of items to create. When trying to add messages to the current uniform as a base, there wasn't enough time to complete it. There were also ideas to print messages on players' T-shirts or to wear goods from player Nakamura, but thanks to the quick action of the merchandising team, we managed to finalize it by printing messages on blue T-shirts in the club colors."
Starting with the merchandising department, each department worked hard to shape their feelings for player Nakamura and deliver those feelings to him.
"While deciding on the items, I wanted to determine what message should be printed, so I created a LINE group chat for all players except Nakamura. It was around 3 PM on the 2nd, if I remember correctly." The chat screen quickly filled up with the passionate thoughts of each player.
"We're waiting for you! Hotaka" and other passionate messages from players waiting for their return have been posted, while the captain, Masato MORISHIGE, shared the club's motto, "You’ll never walk alone." The message was unanimously decided, reflecting the desire of all teammates for the return of player Nakamura.
From the proposal by player Nakagawa to the planning and design completion of the T-shirt message, everyone in the responsible department worked hard, the business department coordinated with sponsors, and the operations department handled adjustments and outreach to the J-League and others. I am grateful that everything was completed in about three hours and that everyone involved supported us, which allowed us to deliver the T-shirts the day before the Kawasaki Frontale match. There were voices asking whether we would wear the T-shirts and walk around the stadium regardless of winning or losing, but I confidently declared that we would win no matter what (laughs). I am glad we won the match and were able to deliver the message to player Nakamura.
Chief Manager Ban spoke with a smile, reminiscing about the day.
"I want to welcome him at an exciting time"
"When I was with Yokohama FM, I had the impression that encouraging injured players with message T-shirts was a very good idea. I believe that what is good should be done regardless of the club, and each club should incorporate its own colors and flavors well. This time, I suggested creating a message uniform as a 'seasoning' for the club. This is also related to my feelings for Nakamura and our relationship as we play on the same side. I can understand the pain of suffering a serious injury. When I thought about what actions could encourage Nakamura and what would make him happy, the idea of wearing a T-shirt came to mind. I'm sure Nakamura would be pleased as well."
The proposer, player Nakagawa, reflected on the past. And finally, when asked about player Nakamura's return, he concluded the conversation like this.
"Not just me, but all my teammates wish for his speedy recovery, and we have been moved by Hotaka NAKAMURA's fighting spirit and passionate attitude. Of course, there is a sense of sadness when such a player is sidelined, but I believe he is diligently working on his rehabilitation to return. With the thought of 'for Hotaka NAKAMURA,' we made T-shirts and wore them together, and I think it is important to aim for 'victory' once again. In every match, we want to continue winning while carrying the thoughts of Hotaka NAKAMURA, and we hope to welcome him back during exciting moments like the title race. The attitude of fighting for someone is necessary for Tokyo right now, and I want to keep playing with the feeling of 'Wait for us, Hotaka.'"
After the match against Kawasaki, a message from player Nakamura arrived in the LINE group chat with players and staff: "(Message T-shirt) Thank you very much. I will do my best in rehabilitation, believing in everyone. I will definitely overcome this and come back stronger. Nice victory!! Thank you for your hard work!!"
Everyone's passionate feelings were definitely conveyed through the screen.
You’ll never walk alone.
"Hodaka, wait for me!"
