Tokyo has finally captured the heart of Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who has been sending passionate love calls since his days at Meiji University. Despite being plagued by injuries since turning pro, OGASHIWA will now wear the blue and red to showcase his talent at the capital club. He has made the decision to walk together in Tokyo from here on out, bringing joy to the city and fulfilling his long-held dream.
Q, Please give us your honest impression when you received an offer from Tokyo.
A,I was happy to receive my first official offer from a domestic league club, as I had never received one before.
Q: What aspects of Tokyo do you think are sought after and evaluated?
A,I was also asked to talk when I was a fourth year university student. I was told that I have been watching since then. Also, I was told that I am a player who fits the Tokyo style, and I had confidence that I could play an active role here, so I made this decision in this way.
Q, What was the important factor in this decision?
A, my goal is to play overseas and join the Japan national team. However, when I was playing for Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, I had many injuries and couldn't play in games throughout the season. I knew that if I didn't improve in that aspect, I wouldn't be able to achieve my goal. The club talked to me enthusiastically about their medical system and approach towards me. That was something I was grateful for and it was a very important aspect for me, among other reasons.
He also said he really wants to support my goals. Not only the support system for injuries, but also the club wants to work together to level up. That was a big part that resonated with me.
Q, please tell us about your strengths and how you plan to adapt them to Tokyo's football.
A, My strength is in playing with speed, breaking through the space behind the opponent and penetrating their defense line. I have no intention of changing that aspect and I believe the club also expects that from me. I want to continue showing that kind of play. Tokyo has many attacking players with special abilities like Diego Oliveira and Teruhito NAKAGAWA. If I can work with these players and make runs up front, I can create many chances for myself. I felt that my vision aligns with the club's and I thought it was a good offer.
Q, Last season, Tokyo only had the impression of being beaten by Kobayashi in the Sapporo match.
A, Recently, on November 25th, we played a game at Ajinomoto Stadium, and as a player for Sapporo, I was only thinking about leading Sapporo to victory. However, it was also a game where I could feel what kind of team Tokyo is. Looking back, if I were to play here next season, it was a game where I could imagine being able to play like that. We scored and won the game, but it was also a game where I could see many things beyond that.
Q, I think you had many opportunities to play as a lone striker in Sapporo. In Tokyo, there is also a possibility of playing as an attacking midfielder or on the wing. In that case, what kind of play do you want to show?
A,As mentioned earlier, I think my strong point is my speed in making runs behind the opponent's defensive line. Of course, there may be games where I play as a winger depending on the situation. As I have played as a lone striker or in a two-shade formation in Sapporo, I hope to adapt and make use of that experience in the forward position.
Q, it seems possible to create scoring opportunities while interacting with the surroundings, not just with back runs and finishing ability.
A, always aiming for double-digit goals and double-digit assists. Last season, the number of goals and assists were the same, but I also feel like I could have increased the numbers even more. I want to focus on that even more in Tokyo.
Q, What kind of soccer and team do you think of as the image of Tokyo?
A,I have always had the impression of a disciplined team with a strong defense and players with unique attacking abilities since my university days. Rather than being "skilled", I have always had the image of a "strong" team. Recently, there have been games where we have conceded consecutive goals, but my long-standing impression is that we are truly solid and strong. If we can regain that Tokyo spirit, I believe we can achieve a higher ranking. As an attacking player, I see it as my role to add depth to our attacks and bring a new flavor to this team.
Q: While the club is going through changes, what do you want to change about this club?
A, in Sapporo, I was not the type to show leadership. I don't think that's a good thing, but personally, I would like to be a leader who can lead the team. I want to take the lead and put pressure on from the front, and actively break through from behind. I want to energize the team with that kind of attitude.
Q, During your university days, you were performing so well that it wouldn't have been strange for you to join the Japan national team a few years later. Do you feel like you haven't been able to achieve the career you envisioned after turning pro?
A,During my time in university, I didn't think there would be a period where I couldn't play soccer because I didn't have many injuries. There were certainly some areas that were far from ideal, but even in those, I feel like I was able to absorb and grow from various experiences in Sapporo. When I was selected for the national team at the end of my first professional season but had to decline due to injury, it was a reminder of how much injuries have plagued me. I really want to improve in that aspect.
Q: Are there any players currently on the Tokyo team that you have a close relationship with since your university days? Is there a player in particular that has left a lasting impression on you?
A, It's Diego Taba, isn't it? I heard he achieved a career-high number of goals last season, which is truly amazing. Even when playing against him, he was still the most dangerous player and I always thought that if I kept running around him, a chance might come.
Q, If we can score 3 or 40 points together, we might have a chance at winning the championship.
A, I think we can win the championship if we score 40 points together (laughs).
Q, Were you close with Hotaka NAKAMURA since your university days?
A,I was getting along well with him. He is one year older than me, but he treated me friendly and we still keep in touch. When I joined Tokyo, he said, "If you have any questions, please contact me," so his presence is appreciated.
Q, What kind of character do you think you are?
A,I think I got along with almost all of my teammates when I was in Sapporo. I spent more time with my seniors than my juniors.
Q: Tokyo has many veteran players as well as young players, so mid-level players are also expected to play a role as mentors. What are your thoughts on this?
A,I think it would be great if I could become a pipe player. I was able to talk to everyone in Sapporo, so I want to do the same in Tokyo. I think my personal life off the pitch also affects my performance, so I hope I can quickly adapt to the team.
Q, The new season is finally starting as the year begins. What kind of season do you want to have?
A,First of all, I want to fight with all my might for the fans and supporters, and for those who support us. This is my fourth season as a professional, but I still aim for double-digit goals, which has been my goal all along. First and foremost, I want to contribute to the team with goals.
Q, don't you have a good impression of Ajinomoto Stadium?
A,I'm always on a stretcher (bitter smile) every time. In my first season, I slipped and dislocated my shoulder. However, last season, I felt it was easier to play. The stadium itself is big and I think it's a stadium that represents Japan. In my first season, there was a play that led to a red card before being substituted due to injury, but last season, I scored a goal and had a good impression, so I'm really looking forward to playing.
Q, What is your impression of Tokyo fans and supporters?
A, "Proud to be known as "Tokyo Verdy"", I felt the pride of the fans and supporters who believe that Tokyo should be at the top as the capital of Japan. Because I am proud of Tokyo, I thought that I couldn't lose to Verdy (laughs).
Q, Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters in Tokyo.
A,As our first season in Tokyo, we will do our best to become players that you can support. Please fight with us. Thank you.
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
