Continuation of the love story with Akaaka
Towards his best season with physical transformationFW 11 Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The stories of the players who have love for the club, a thirst for titles, a desire to perform, and the roles they must fulfill - Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who received an offer from Tokyo when he graduated from university, has now joined the blue-red army this off-season. Despite having great potential, he has been plagued by injuries, but with his transfer to a new team, he has begun to work on physical transformation and is determined to make the 2024 season his best yet.
My feelings for the striker I longed for have come true. Is it because I am not popular with women, or is it just my nature to hope for a happy ending in this type of story? However, the situation is a bit complicated, just like a love affair.
In the spring of 2020, during his fourth year at Meiji University, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA participated in training camps for three clubs he had spent his academy days with: Omiya Ardija, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and FC Tokyo. After careful consideration, he ultimately sought a stage for his success in the northern land.
After turning professional, he has shown impressive performances on the pitch, but he has also been plagued by muscle injuries. While spending days of incomplete combustion, he ended up with 22 appearances and 6 goals in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League last season.
"I have truly been troubled by injuries. I never thought there would be such a long period of time when I couldn't play soccer. I think I was able to absorb and grow from various things in Sapporo, but there were certainly parts that were far from ideal."
And now, in the off-season, I have decided to transfer in order to make a full recovery. The new place I have chosen is the blue and red club that I did not shake hands with at that time. Since then, they have highly evaluated my talent and have been eagerly sending me love calls, saying "I want to chase our dreams together." Finally, their passionate calls have come true. The club has launched a revival plan and promised support from both medical and physical aspects. They have prepared their system and are ready to welcome me.
The new season started with a focus on carefully balancing the body to prevent injuries. After the initial start, adjustments were made with a separate menu, and there was a period of endurance. The player himself also expressed a complex state of mind, saying, "I've always wanted to join team practice. There was no pain or problems with my body, and I was physically able to play soccer, so there was a frustrating aspect." However, he continued to work closely with the staff and faced his own body.
"I have been patient and cautious so far, so it would be great if I could join the team with a well-balanced body."
Gradually joining the team and finally participating in interpersonal training two weeks before the opening. "It feels like I finally got in. I still think my condition for playing soccer is not good enough. I need to improve a little more. This is my fourth year as a professional, but I want to make this the best season so far."
Remove the anxiety of injuries that have plagued him and challenge his best season. If there are no obstacles, his goal is the Japan national team, and the path to the world should be connected. The continuation of Tokyo and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA's dream begins here.
text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
