On October 1, 1998, Tokyo was born as the first professional club to call Tokyo its home town.
Since the glorious opening of the J-League, there has been a growing momentum for the predecessor Tokyo Gas Soccer Club to turn professional. The team, which was strengthening itself, invited Amaral from Brazil in the 1992 season. Ryuji Fujiyama, who joined as an "employee player" in the same season, signed a professional contract in the 1994 season.
However, the situation forced us to give up on professionalization. Nevertheless, the team did not stop and continued to grow steadily.
In the 1994 season, they made their first appearance in the Emperor's Cup and advanced to the quarter-finals. They consistently ranked high in the Japan Football League (JFL). Encouraged by their good results, they announced their return to the J-League in the 1997 season and continued their ambitious activities towards professionalization. At the same time, in the Emperor's Cup of this season, they defeated Nagoya Grampus Eight, Yokohama Marinos, and Shonan Bellmare, and advanced to the semi-finals.
"A team that is strongly loved" is the slogan, and in the 1998 JFL season, they surpassed Kawasaki Frontale by 1 point in the final match and won the championship in a "lucky" manner.
At that time, coach Kiyoshi OKUMA thoroughly emphasized the principles and principles of soccer, as well as a common understanding of how to win. In order to make use of Amaral's scoring ability, he stuck to a solid defense and quick counterattacks. Even if it was a rough and tough game, Sandro and Takayuki KOMINE would put their bodies on the line in the final line. In the midfield, balance was highly valued. Despite acquiring numerous big names as a defensive midfielder, it was also impressive how Satoru ASARI was able to secure his position for a long time.
Even after moving to the J-League, we aimed to continue our style by keeping many of our employees as players. While respecting Verdy and Júbilo Iwata, we also took advantage of being a latecomer to the J-League and sometimes used more experienced teams as a learning opportunity.
"Once on the pitch, it doesn't matter if you're a pro or an amateur" - The 1999 J2 League season where they, who were nothing as professional players, struggled to grasp something.
The opening match against Sagan Tosu drew 3,685 spectators to the National Nishigaoka Soccer Stadium. It's hard to believe now, but at the time, there was an overwhelming joy at the thought of "3,000 people!" and a heated battle took place.
In the 4th minute, Hayato OKAMOTO, who had escaped behind the defense from Kensuke KAGAMI's through pass, made a quick decision and scored a shot. This goal not only marked the first goal of the J2 league, but also remains in the memories of people as the opening moment of Tokyo. Ace player Amaral also scored, leading to a 2-0 victory and a successful start in the J2 league, accumulating points steadily.
In their first participation in the Nabisco Cup, they showed a remarkable performance and advanced to the semifinals. They pushed Kashima Antlers to the brink and Yukihiko SATO was also awarded the New Hero Award.
The spirit of giving our all in the current game has manifested itself, but it can be said that we still lack the team strength and flexibility to balance both cup and league matches.
After the Nabisco Cup, Vegalta Sendai suffered a defeat to Tosu in the first game of the J2 League after the restart. This marked the beginning of a losing streak. They were only able to earn 3 points in 5 games. Before the final match, they were defeated by Vegalta Sendai and the players were in tears as they fell to 3rd place.
Nevertheless, everyone gathered without anyone saying so, and switched their mindset to "we have no choice but to do what we can and what we must do". The sense of unity and passion to fight through it all led to a dramatic promotion.
November 24th, Sec. 36, Away match against Albirex Niigata. Kensuke KAGAMI scored a long-awaited goal and secured a 1-0 victory. On the other hand, at that time, 2nd place Oita Trinita conceded a free kick to Tatsuma YOSHIDA of Montedio Yamagata in the 89th minute, leading to extra time. If it ends in a draw, they will only earn 1 point and Tokyo will rise to 2nd place.
It was a time when there was no instant news on the internet, but Masamitsu KOBAYASHI kept calling his friend in Oita to keep up with the situation. As soon as the match between Oita and Yamagata ended in a draw, Takashi OKUHARA ran straight from the bench to the stands. Supporters jumped down from the stands and a circle of joy was formed. It was a generous time when such behavior was allowed and seen with a smile, but it also embodied the idea that "something will happen if you don't give up".
The team that has caused many "dramatic developments" and giant killings has also captivated football fans (or, to put it a bit rudely, maniacs).
Always keeping the initial passion in our hearts to be "strongly loved", each of us continues to pour our unending passion into soccer. There is no doubt that this has laid the foundation for a club worthy of the J1 League.
Time goes around and around. The size of the club, the maturity of the team, and the world and Japanese environment surrounding football have changed significantly since then. We are now required to "Think global" and simply "Act local" may not be enough to survive in this era.
But there is something that must not be forgotten. Giving our all in the upcoming match, never giving up until the end - that fighting spirit and passion have lit a flame in people's hearts and given them courage.
Text by Yoru Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)
※This article contains the team name at the time of the article's publication.
[25 Years of History] Special Column Here
25 Years of History vol.2 The Road to Our First Title
25 Years of History vol.3 Blue Tokyo
