It can be said that it is truly overwhelming.
Yuto NAGATOMO, who joined the Japan national team, is showing his presence on and off the pitch.
On March 18th, the first day of practice, just like in the past, he leads the way and starts the warming up running, responding to the calls of fans and supporters with a smile and raising his hand. In the following step work, he naturally leads the team at the front of the group. He also takes big reactions in ball passing, calls out player names loudly, and coaches to enhance the team's atmosphere. It feels like the familiar scene that has been with the Japan national team for many years has returned.
It seems that the player's excitement is rising due to being called up to the national team after a long time.
"I woke up around 5am today and my cells were starting to tingle, so I told them 'calm down for now', but it's just so much fun that I can't help it. (From the Avispa Fukuoka game) After the game, on the second day, I usually feel fatigued, but when I came here, it all disappeared at once. It made me realize once again how important consciousness and feelings are. First and foremost, it's all about the mindset."
The surrounding players are also showing reactions such as "The drive and passion are amazing" and "We can't just rely on Yuto-kun. Our generation needs to step up" (Koki Itakura), and are already having a positive impact and providing motivation to the team. This style remains unchanged even in the team's accommodations, with players like Yota Ito saying "You can hear their loud voices all the way to the next table" during meal times.
Nagatomo himself said with a wry smile, "(At first) I was a little hesitant and kept my distance from the young players, but I think we've grown closer through practice." He knows what is needed for the Japan national team. He is determined to bring that back again, wearing the Yatagarasu emblem on his chest.
Moriyasu Japan finished the AFC Asia Cup in January in the best 8, and from here on, we must once again raise the mood. In March, the Asian second round of qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26 will resume, and Nagatomo has been chosen as part of the team's rebuilding.
"(Last year's Japan national team) was full of energy and motivation, but they lacked both in the Asian Cup. I'm not sure what caused it, but when one gear clicks, things can change, and there's also the fear that if things don't click, they won't be able to win in Asia. There's a certain atmosphere and winning team mentality that I've experienced in my four World Cups. I want to create that kind of atmosphere." (Nagatomo)
The player understands their role as a "cheerleader" who changes the team's atmosphere. However, they do not intend to end it there.
In Tokyo, they have maintained a great condition since last season and have continued to perform well since the start of this season. Their endurance that doesn't falter even towards the end of the game, their speed and timing in overlapping on the sides to create chances, and their persistent defense are still at the top level in the league. Even Takefusa KUBO, who played in a mini game on March 19th, said with a smile, "It was fun to have that persistence in a good way after a long time."
"Honestly, I feel like I am the youngest. I feel like I am in my 20s condition. I think I was called up because I am able to move. What I am doing in Tokyo has been recognized. I have prepared myself to be told 'Nagatomo is needed' and I am proudly joining the national team with my J-League play."
"Experience" is also included in the word "necessary". The away game against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on March 26 will be held in Pyongyang. Although Nagatomo himself did not participate in the previous expedition in 2011 due to injury, he said, "I have confidence that I can do it no matter who the opponent is or how harsh the place is. It's all about the mindset. If the mindset is broken, the team will also fall apart. I want to keep a strong mindset. If there is one energetic person, it will spread. I always want to be that kind of person," and his mental state is also expected for the unknown battle.
In Tokyo, he mainly plays as a right back, but in the current Japan national team, both Seiya MAIKUMA and Yusei SUGAWARA are playing actively as right backs, and there is a high possibility that he will be used as a left back, which he used to play in the past.
After the Qatar tournament, it has been about 1 year and 3 months since the Japan national team was called up. This is a serious match towards their 5th appearance in the main tournament, and a chance has come to show their own strength.
"I will go for the fifth time. I have decided that within myself, and I am working hard from there, approaching it by working backwards. It may be criticized if I say it arrogantly, but I also want to use that as energy and do my best."
Despite being the Japan national team after a long time, there are various roles expected of me. I am also expected to overcome difficult situations. In order to prove my worth once again, and to pave the way for the future of the Japan national team and myself, I, a passionate man, will once again challenge the international stage.
text by Aoyama Tomo'o
