Q: This season, the club is undergoing significant changes. Have you felt any changes so far, Higashi?
When the coach changes, the team's rules change, and the atmosphere changes as well. It's different from the way things were done until last year, but I think it's only natural for things to change this much, so I'm not particularly surprised. If I can understand and express what the coach wants to do, I believe I will be used in the matches, and I think what needs to be done is clear.
Q: Even if there are changes, does that mean there is no need to brace ourselves that much?
I will no longer be the captain after three seasons, so while I am not ignoring the team, I will be able to focus more on myself. I strongly want to redirect my focus back to myself and refine my play once again. The camp provides a lot of time to face myself, and I feel that we have been having a very good camp so far.
Q: Until now, there have been many mentions about the team as captain, but I think I will talk more about myself from now on.
Being a captain was a great honor, and on top of that, I was determined to fulfill my role as a player and work hard towards my goals. I believe that feeling was reflected in my play, and conversely, when the team was not doing well, I felt that responsibility personally. I have a personality that fully commits to the responsibilities given to me; I absolutely do not want to cut corners and want to give my all in pursuit of my goals.
Q: This year's captain is player Morishige.
Before the season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA told me, "I want to change the captain," expressing his intention to bring new energy and change to the team. I also felt that the benefits I could bring to the team as captain were becoming limited. When I first became captain, it was a big change, but as the years passed, it became normal for the team, and I thought the added value was decreasing. Honestly, being captain was tough in many ways, and after three years, I started wanting to focus more on myself. Those three years were filled with a lot of care and deep consideration for the team. At first, when I was appointed captain, I think everyone was surprised, but as they saw me changing, they seemed to switch on and think, "He's really working hard as captain," which I believe served as motivation. It might be self-satisfaction (laughs). Now that I can direct most of my thoughts toward myself, I find soccer very enjoyable.
Q: There are comments during the camp that say, 'Player Higashi's expression is bright,' and he seems to be in great shape.
A. I'm having fun right now, and on the contrary, I think Morishige is having a hard time (laughs)
Q: Player Morishige served as captain until 2017, and since handing over the role, he has further improved the quality of his play.
A. What I can say without a doubt is that it is important to face things head-on without running away or avoiding them. Honestly, at first, I didn’t really want to be captain, but even if I had just kept going by avoiding the truth, when moving on to the next step, there would be no foundation to build on. I believe that only after fully confronting and persevering in the role of captain can you truly move on to the next stage. Continuously facing this challenge is really tough, but considering my future career, I think it was a rewarding experience. Now, I’m excited to see how I can grow, and of course, there is pressure every year, and I believe I must play solidly as a player. However, since I will no longer be captain this time, I feel positively that I now have an environment where I can focus on one thing. I feel somewhat relieved, and with a new coach coming in, I want to make a good fresh start. No one is guaranteed a position, so I thought I have to show my worth from the first day of camp, and I have no intention of taking it easy just because I’m a veteran. I want to maximize what I can do and keep demonstrating my abilities. Ultimately, I believe that this attitude will spread to the younger players and those around me, providing a good stimulus. Also, over these past three years, I think I have come to understand the atmosphere of a winning team and what is important, so I want to make sure to apply that experience well this year.
Q: I think there will be tough times for the team this year, and I believe that how player Higashi handles those moments will be very important.
A, I believe that regardless of being a captain, it is the job of myself and the veteran players who have gained experience to do.
Q: How do you feel about the style of football that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA aims for?
I feel it is very interesting. It may take time to permeate, but once we can express what the coach desires, I believe we can showcase amazing football. The season will start in late February. While aiming for victory in front of us, I think the key will be how we can pursue ideal football. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's football has a dream. If we can express the ideals of Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA, which everyone would admire, it would be enjoyable for both the players and the spectators, and I can feel the determination to create a great team. I believe that while making people feel that Tokyo's football is interesting, aiming to seize victory is both a challenging and a goal we should strive for.
Q: With the focus on the team and individuals balanced, we can expect even more from player Higashi's performance.
A, I am the most excited myself, and having been the captain for three years, it is true that I have focused less on myself. Until last year, even when I was in good form, I sometimes felt that my play was not good because the team was struggling. This year, I want to focus a little more on myself.
Q: What is Higashi's goal for this year?
I don't have a fixation on numbers. There are no specific goals for how many goals or assists I should have. My goal is always to focus on myself. I want this year to be one where I continuously reflect on myself and contribute to my growth. I believe that will ultimately benefit the team and help us succeed. I want to improve and delve deeper into my abilities. However, I also think that my strength lies in utilizing my skills to help the team function well while maintaining a broad perspective. I want to do that while also expressing a bit of ego. I hope that leads to a style of play that I haven't experienced before. Of course, I want to score many goals and aim for assists, but I believe the numbers will come later, so I just hope to achieve good numbers by the end of it.
Q: In this year's football, which requires skill, won't Player Higashi's skills shine?
A, we are trying to practice soccer that connects the ball well, and since the opportunities to touch the ball are definitely increasing, daily practice is really enjoyable.
Q: The aspect of running ability will also come into play, won't it?
I believe that running, fighting, and the ability to see things through are essential in modern football. I think everyone was trained in that aspect under former coach Masaru HASEGAWA's style of play. I believe we have a strong foundation, and I hope we can build upon it further. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's style involves continuously moving the ball when the opponent comes, so it may take time to perfect it, but I believe that if everyone can do it, we will have very good football.
Q: Player Higashi always responded to interviews with a quick yes.
Well, it might just be that I'm lazy and not interested (laughs). While I do trust my teammates, I feel that my personality is to believe in the person who consults me and respond directly and sincerely. When I was captain, I strongly felt that I needed to take an interest in others, and I believe I have the ability to put in the effort when it really matters.
Q, on the other hand, there is also a strong mischievous image. (laugh)
A, when I was young, I might have been like player Ogawa (laugh)
Q: Player Ogawa will also respond to interviews without hesitation.
A, because he is kind-hearted. I want Ogawa to lead the team from now on. He has been with us for a long time in terms of both age and years of service, and he is getting close to the age I was when I became captain. At first, he might be teased by those around him, but he needs the courage to change. If he can overcome the initial struggles, I believe he will see a different world. I used to be the type of player who would come right before practice and leave immediately. Now, I am the second to arrive at the training ground after Morishige and prepare. As I have aged, I have come to see what is important, and that has led me to this point. I hope Ogawa will have various experiences and grow even more.
