The first step towards our dream
Active as a key player since our first year as professionals
DF 30 Teppei OKA
People, players, and stories. Introducing the 2024 PLAYER'S REVIEW, featuring all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season. What were their thoughts and feelings during the season? Confidence, progress, challenges, joy, and regret... Each player will reflect on their battles this season in their own words.
After returning to Aoyaka from Meiji University via the academy, Teppei OKA quickly rose to prominence in his first year as a professional, showcasing his skills as a center back and left back. Although he did not have many opportunities to play at the beginning of the season, he continued to work and think for the sake of the team, focusing on his own growth. This led him to the official pitch. What a first year it has been for this defender with a soul that turns dreams into reality.
In my elementary school graduation yearbook, I wrote under the title "My Dream" that "my future dream is to become a professional soccer player, and to become the best player in the world by playing in Europe." Teppei OKA has taken the first step towards that dream.
After graduating from Meiji University, he once again put on the blue and red jersey. He has been publicly stating since before joining that he wants to take the starting position from Masato MORISHIGE.
However, the beginning of the season was a difficult time.
"I couldn't break into the starting lineup and wasn't even included in the red and white scrimmage. However, I knew I had to keep going. I didn't have high expectations for myself, so my performance didn't suffer."
The main battlefield was a practice match mixed with academy players. There, I faced myself and built up my strength. What I had decided in my heart was to "contribute to the team's victory regardless of whether I played in the match or not." As a result, "by doing so, I was able to increase my chances of being involved in the match."
The opportunity came suddenly. In the 2nd round of the J.League YBC Levain Cup against Y.S.C.C. Yokohama in April, he made a substitute appearance and then stepped onto the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, which he had longed for, in the 11th round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kyoto Sanga F.C. However, it would take a month and a half until his next league appearance. Nevertheless, he spent his days unchanged.
"I've been trying not to run away. Even though it's my first year as a professional, I've been approaching it with the mindset of not rotting away."
After gaining another opportunity to play in the 19th round against Shonan Bellmare, he secured a regular position as a center back. He also scored his first professional goal in the 22nd round against Kashiwa Reysol, which was a happy moment for him.
"I thought the ball would come if I continued to work hard. I had been practicing heading shots from crosses with coach Takashi Hara since the week before the Reysol match, so I think that's what led to the result."
He was also used as a left back from the middle of the season, and his range of play expanded. His dream turned into a goal.
And I also learned that it is up to me to grasp it.
"Players who can play anywhere are valued. I want to become a player who can play as a side back or in a 3-back like Japan national team's Takehiro Tomiyasu, and I have to become a player who is needed in order to move up. I am grateful to coach Peter for giving me the opportunity to play as a side back. I want to become a player who is seen as a key to winning thanks to this player. Of course, I want to back up my skills with my words and actions. This season, I was able to play with energy and momentum. But I don't think it will be the same in my second year. However, I want to keep my original intentions and continue to play."
The 2024 season has finally taken its first step towards the dream. Okada will continue to loudly proclaim, "I have a dream."
Text by Koji Baba (Freelance Writer)
