Tokyo has finally captured the heart of Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who has been fervently pursued since his time at Meiji University. After turning professional, OGASHIWA has struggled with injuries, but he will don the blue and red to unleash his talent at the capital club. He has decided to walk together in Tokyo from here to bring joy to the city and fulfill the dreams he has envisioned.
Q: Please share your honest thoughts when you received the offer from Tokyo.
A,I have never received such a formal offer from a domestic league club until now, so I was happy to receive an offer for the first time.
Q: What do you think are the aspects that were sought and evaluated from Tokyo?
A,I was approached during my fourth year of university. I was told that they had been watching me ever since. I was also told that I am a player who fits the Tokyo style, and I had confidence that I could succeed here, so I made this decision in this way.
Q: What were the important considerations in making this decision?
A、My goal is to eventually succeed overseas and to be part of the Japan national team. However, when I was playing for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I had many injuries and was unable to participate in matches throughout the season. I believed that I couldn't achieve my goals unless I improved that situation first. The club earnestly discussed the medical system and their approach towards me. I found that to be very encouraging, and while there are certainly other reasons, it is a very important aspect for me.
They also said they really want to support my goals. Not only the support system for injuries, but they also mentioned wanting to work together with the club to level up even further. That part resonated deeply with me.
Q, please tell us about your strong points and how you would like to align them with soccer in Tokyo.
A、My characteristic is playing with speed, breaking into the space behind the opponent and penetrating their defensive line. I have no intention of changing that aspect, and I believe the club expects that from me as well. I want to showcase that kind of play more and more. Tokyo has many players with attacking characteristics, like Diego OLIVEIRA and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, in the front line. I envision that if I can connect with those players and break forward, many opportunities will come my way. I feel that my thoughts align with those of the club, and I believe it is a good offer.
Q: Last season in Tokyo, I only have the impression that player Kogashi was a challenge in the Sapporo match.
A、Recently, on November 25, we played a match at Ajinomoto Stadium, and at that time, I was only thinking about leading Sapporo to victory as a Sapporo player. However, it was also a match where I could feel what kind of team Tokyo is. Looking back, if I were to play here next season, it was a match where I could imagine playing like this. We won the match by scoring, but more than that, it was a match where I could see various things.
Q: I think you had many opportunities to play as a lone striker in Sapporo. In Tokyo, there may be possibilities to play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing. In that context, what kind of play do you want to show?
A, as mentioned earlier, I believe that breaking behind the opponent's defensive line and the speed of movement are strong points. Of course, depending on the situation, there may be matches where I play as a winger. If I am in a forward position, I have played as a lone striker or in a two-shadow role in Sapporo, so I think it would be good to adapt by utilizing that experience.
Q: It seems that not only can you make runs behind the defense and have finishing ability, but you can also create scoring opportunities while interacting with those around you.
A, I have always aimed to achieve double-digit goals and double-digit assists. Last season, the number of goals and assists was the same, but I feel that I could have increased those numbers even more. I want to focus on that even more in Tokyo.
Q: What kind of soccer and what kind of team do you think represents Tokyo?
A, I have been watching this team since my university days, and I have the impression that they are a disciplined team with a solid defense and players who have unique characteristics in their attack. Rather than being 'skillful', I had the image of them being 'strong' as a team. Recently, there have been matches where they conceded goals consecutively, but the image I have always had is that they are truly solid and strong. If we can regain that Tokyo spirit, I believe we can reach a higher ranking. As an attacking player, I think adding depth to the attack is a new flavor that can be brought to this team.
Q: As the club is undergoing changes, how do you want to transform this club?
A,I was not the type to demonstrate leadership in Sapporo. I don't think that's a good thing, but I hope to be a presence like the team's spearhead. I want to lead the charge, apply pressure from the front, and actively break through from behind, so I want to energize the team in that way.
Q: During your university days, you showed performances that could have easily led to joining the Japan national team a few years later. Do you feel that you haven't been able to achieve the career you envisioned after turning professional?
A,I didn't think there would be a time when I couldn't play soccer because I didn't have many injuries during my university days. There were certainly some parts that were a bit different from my ideals, but even so, I believe I was able to absorb various things and grow in Sapporo. At the end of my first professional season, when I was selected for the national team but had to decline, it was also due to an injury. I have really been troubled by injuries, so I want to improve in that area.
Q: Among the players currently registered in Tokyo, there is Hotaka NAKAMURA, who has been a friend since university. Is there a player who particularly stands out to you?
A, it is indeed Diego TABA. I heard he achieved a career-high number of goals last season, which I think is truly wonderful. Even when competing against him, he was definitely the most dangerous player, and I believe that if I keep moving around him, a chance will come.
Q: Ideally, if the two of you can score 30 to 40 points or more, I think we might be able to see the possibility of winning.
A, if we score 40 points together, I think we can definitely win (laughs).
Q, were you close with Hotaka NAKAMURA since university?
A, I was able to get along well with them. They are a year older, but they treated me friendly and we still keep in touch. When it was decided that I would join Tokyo, they said, 'If you have any questions, feel free to contact me,' so I am grateful for their presence.
Q: What kind of character do you think you are?
A,I think I got along well with almost all my teammates when I was in Sapporo. Rather, I spent more time with my seniors than with my juniors.
Q: Tokyo has many veteran players and young players, so mid-career players are also expected to play a role as intermediaries. What are your thoughts on that?
A, I hope to be a good intermediary like that. I was able to talk to everyone in Sapporo, so I want to do the same in Tokyo. I believe that aspects of my personal life off the pitch will also affect my performance, so I hope to adapt to the team as quickly as possible.
Q: The new season is finally starting as the year begins. What kind of season do you want it to be?
A, first of all, I want to fight with all my might for the fans, supporters, and everyone who cheers for us. This is my fourth season as a professional, but my goal of scoring double digits remains unchanged. I want to contribute to the team with goals first.
Q, don't you have a good impression of Ajinomoto Stadium?
A、I mean, I end up on a stretcher every time (laughs). In my first season, I even dislocated my shoulder from slipping. However, last season, I felt it was easier to play. I think the stadium itself is large and represents Japan well. In my first season, there was a play that led to a player being sent off before I was substituted due to injury, and last season I scored a goal, so I have good memories and I'm really looking forward to playing.
Q: What impression do you have of the fans and supporters in Tokyo?
A,I felt proud to be part of the "Capital Club Tokyo"..I can also feel the passion of the fans and supporters who believe we must be at the top as the capital of Japan. Because I take pride in Tokyo, I really thought we cannot lose to Verdy (laughs).
Q: Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters in Tokyo.
A, as this is my first season in Tokyo, I will fight with all my might to become a player that everyone can support, so please fight with me. Thank you for your support.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
