Adversity, bring it on. Behind the brightness lies an indomitable fighting spirit to reclaim our rightful position.
DF 43 Shuhei TOKUMOTO
A special content introducing all the blue and red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players, who are about to start the season, thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with? The stories of the players who hold in their hearts their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill──. Last season, in May, during the J-League 30th Anniversary Match, Shuhei TOKUMOTO scored a shocking right-foot goal. Having climbed up from the J3 League, he will not be defeated by a little adversity. With an indomitable spirit, he continues to work with a smile towards reclaiming his regular position.
In his second season in the J1 League, the left-back, eager to reclaim his position, calmly understands his current situation while meticulously preparing for an 'upset'.
Starting my professional career on the stage of the J3 League, I reached the top category for the first time after six years, gaining various experiences last season. At the beginning of the season, I struggled to even make the bench, but I maintained my characteristic guts and high absorption capacity, demonstrating excellent positional sense and actively participating in build-up play. By April, I had established myself as a regular. I fought fearlessly on the stage of the J1 League, and in the 'Tamagawa Classico' against Kawasaki Frontale held at the Japan National Stadium in May, I scored my first J1 goal with a powerful shot from my right foot, which is my non-dominant foot.
However, as the second half of the league begins, the situation suddenly changes. After the appointment of Peter CKLAMOVSKI as manager, he lost his chance to play and had to watch the situation from outside the pitch for a period of time.
However, he is a hardworking person who can face things positively in any situation. Without breaking his spirit or bending his feelings, he continued to earnestly engage in practice.
"Last season, because I persevered, I am now able to take on this season with a new level of confidence. After playing a full season, I strongly felt the need to defend on my own, and if I can do that, I believe I can seize the opportunity to play in matches, so I want to give it my all at 120 percent."
The rival for the position battle is Kashif BANGNAGANDE, who made his debut for the Japan national team in March last season. Competing with promising young players is never easy, but he is fully aware of that. "If I can work hard with Kashif and be told, 'The left back position in Tokyo is not a problem,' I believe the team's ranking will naturally rise. I want to prepare well and motivate each other, whether I am playing or not," he remains steadfast in his resolve.
Adversity, bring it on. Step by step, stage by stage, we have climbed up to where we are now. "I believe my strength is to always tackle things cheerfully, so I want to involve the staff and keep smiling every day." Behind the brightness lies an indomitable fighting spirit. Shuhei TOKUMOTO brings smiles to Tokyo both on and off the pitch.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golasso)
