──1You signed a professional contract ahead of schedule. What are your thoughts on that?
The first thing I feel is a strong sense of gratitude. I am very grateful to everyone at Waseda University who accepted my desire to take on this challenge a year earlier, as well as to my peers, and I also appreciate FC Tokyo for creating this structure.
──How do you feel? Are you excited or feeling pressure?
Of course, I don't know what will happen in the future, but I've made my decision with determination, so I'm excited. I have the feeling that I will make it happen.
──I believe that the background of this decision is the experience of having played on the pitch as a specially designated player last season.
Without a doubt, if it weren't for those four matches, this decision would not have been made. Even as a student, I was allowed to stand on a professional pitch and had an irreplaceable experience. It's not just about the level, but the atmosphere with so many fans and supporters present, and the tension of each player being so intense was something I had rarely experienced. I felt the atmosphere of that stadium and strongly wanted to compete more here.
──When did you specifically start to feel that way?
Last season, I was able to do my rehabilitation from injury at Kodaira Ground. Although I couldn't participate in practice, I experienced daily life in a professional environment, and being at this level made me realize that I wanted to compete here next season. However, at that time, I was a player for Waseda University's soccer team, and my feelings for Waseda never faded. Still, after returning from injury, I truly fought for Waseda until the end for promotion to the first division of the Kanto University League, but that did not come to fruition. So when comparing fighting in the second division next season and competing in Tokyo, I consulted with my parents and various people, organized my feelings, and made a decision. Initially, I spoke with Waseda, and then I spoke with Tokyo.
──Was it the biggest decision of your life?
It's outstanding. I think this is the biggest decision I've made in my life, as I haven't had many opportunities to make decisions for myself since I was little.
──During my junior youth days, I was part of FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, but is it correct to say that I have "returned to Tokyo"?
Honestly, I didn't think "I absolutely want to return to Tokyo" or "I dislike Tokyo". I was thinking flatly. However, after participating in the camp, I realized that the environment here is wonderful, and I made the decision considering the balance with Waseda (geographically). At first, I felt that way, but when it actually came to joining, the feeling of "coming back" emerged. I believe my feelings for this club are stronger than those of other players, and since it is a club that has really taken care of me, I want to give back. When I was in middle school, I visited Ajinomoto many times, so the moment I stepped onto the pitch in the Levain Cup match against Gamba Osaka was a special feeling for me.
──There is also Kuryu MATSUKI, who is a junior from Aomori Yamada High School.
I'm not really that concerned about what others say (laughs). But, while I have the time, we've been together for two years and understand each other well. As a professional, Kuu has much more experience, so he is a reliable presence. Well, if you look at our usual relationship, you'll see that it's a pretty flat relationship, to the point where I feel like I'm the junior (laughs). Of course, I have strong feelings about it, so I'd be happy if we could stand on the pitch together and fight.
──Finally, the first year of the professional season begins.
I believe I have fresh energy, so I hope to energize the team in the areas where we need to fight. My strength is being able to run and fight for the team, so I want to contribute to the game by covering for others when things get tough, while showcasing my strengths. Last season I had some injuries, so this season my goal is to be involved in the games and fight through the season.
──The right side is a battleground with many rivals for both wingers and full-backs.
There are players worthy of respect, but I believe there are plays that only I can do and bring to the game, so I think it's most important to differentiate myself through that appeal. Since I can't compete by making the same appeal as other players, I want to showcase my uniqueness.
──It means making the path you chose the right one.
I think that's right. I chose to go to Aomori Yamada High School and Waseda University myself, but it wasn't a decision up to this point. There were no opposing opinions, and it ended with my own resolve. However, this time it was a decision involving Tokyo, and there are people who were inconvenienced by my decision to leave the Waseda University Football Club midway. There were many opposing opinions. I think that's only natural. That's why I believe I need to prove that this choice was the right one.
Text by Daisuke Suga(El Golasso)
