1/17 Training
On the 6th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, practice was held at Kaigin Field Kunigami in preparation for the first training match of the season against Meiji University the following day.
On this day, while practicing build-up and defense, we emphasized to "look at the highest point" and made them aware of passes that reverse the opponent's press. Furthermore, we reviewed the training so far and confirmed the shape of drawing the opponent to the center and spreading out.
In the first external match of the new system, various players are expected to be used, and several combinations are likely to be tested. There is growing anticipation for the performance of new forces such as Marcelo RYAN, who stands out in practice, and Kento HASHIMOTO. Finally, "Rikuzou Tokyo" is set to unveil itself.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the sixth day of camp, Kei KOIZUMI, who turns 30 this year, was captured seeking advice from Keigo HIGASHI after the team practice. Since turning professional with Albirex Niigata, he has always closely followed Leo SILVA, saying, "I asked everything I could." This season marks the 12th year of his career that began in this way. However, he still burns with a desire to improve, seeking advice from both seniors and juniors. The unchanged essence of KOIZUMI and the kindness of HIGASHI in responding to him are conveyed through this photo.
CAMP VOICE vol.6 Tsubasa TERAYAMA
Tsubasa TERAYAMA sought a place to shine at Sagan Tosu midway through last season, spending an intense six months there. This season, he will once again don the blue and red. The first two years after turning professional were a time of waiting. This was all to spread his wings and fly even higher. We spoke with TERAYAMA, who honestly said he is feeling anxious, about what he experienced during his training at Tosu and his aspirations for this season.
Q: You were loaned to Sagan Tosu midway through last season. How was that half-season?
When I went to Tosu, I was immediately used as a starter, and I realized that it wasn't easy when the results didn't come. However, I met various players, coaches, and staff, and I think my awareness changed. Although it was only my second year, it was a six-month period where I truly felt that there were many different players after my first transfer. I believe that it was an incredibly rich time for me. I do feel sorry for being relegated to J2 League, but I think that my life in Tosu will definitely contribute to my future football career, and I believe I must make it so.
Q, I was able to score my first professional goal in the match against FC Machida Zelvia.
In my second year as a professional, last season I was given a starting position in the match against Albirex Niigata. I wanted to show my presence from there, but I ended up getting injured. I started with the goal of achieving results, but I also experienced setbacks like that. Injuries are part of soccer, but I was only thinking about how to rise up from there. I wanted to show that my value is more than this by achieving results. In that sense, the goal in the match against Machida was significant for me. After that, I felt I could score in the match against Nagoya Grampus, but the post was unkind to me. Scoring that goal helped me move on, and I felt like my play improved towards the end of the season. However, this season is a different story. I want to compete with my current teammates and work hard without losing.
Q: How has knowing a different environment from Tokyo influenced you?
A, it was indeed a completely different environment from Tokyo. However, I felt that the club in Tosu is one where the entire city comes together to fight, and it is supported not only by the players but also by the fans, supporters, and the local community. I really felt that the people of Tosu look forward to the weekend matches because of the existence of the Sagan Tosu club, and that their daily lives are enriched by it. I was able to reaffirm through my own experience that our job is to give courage and energy to such people. Although I am now with a different team, I want to make this season one where my performance reaches the people of Tosu as well.
Q, and the 2025 season of my third year as a professional begins.
Honestly, I am feeling anxious. I haven't been able to do anything in the past two years, and I haven't accomplished anything significant. I believe this third year will be a very important season, and I want to make it a season of change for myself. However, there are wonderful players, coaches, and staff here, so I feel joy in being able to work with such people. I want to focus on my growth and take it step by step.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
