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On the 8th day of the Okinawa Kunigami Camp, the scheduled morning practice was cancelled and a barbecue was held for lunch. As the season opener approaches, players and staff deepen their friendships.
The day before, they won 10-0 in their first practice match with Meio University under the new system, and spent the day as they pleased. In addition to the rehabilitation group and players who have been confirmed to join from January 2027, there were also several players sweating on the Kaigin Field Kunigami in the morning, including Kizuna Komino (2nd year student at Hosei University) who is participating in practice.
Only 5 days left at the Okinawa Kunigami Camp. We will use this first camp to build the foundation of our new team.
FOCUS ON
Official photographer's camp photo project "FOCUS ON" selected by Okinawa Kunigami camp 8th day is a 3-shot of Kizuna Komine, Yuto Nagatomo and Masato Morishige. When they were leaving the pitch after sweating together, Nagatomo called out to the photographer, "Let's take a photo of Kizuna because he seems to become a big player." When Morishige tried to pose as usual, Nagatomo spread his hand and appealed for "5 consecutive World Cup appearances and number 5" as his goal. In response to that, Kizuna also raised his hand. Expectations are rising for Kizuna's blue and red debut, not afraid of even World Cup warriors.
"What ○○ do you want to ask the players?"
"Ask the players" project, where we ask questions from 2025SOCIO・OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members, has started.
The first round was a memorable one, with the appearance of Taishi Brandon NOZAWA. We asked the newlywed goalkeeper five questions on the 17th of this month.
*Please note that some of the questions may have been edited for formatting purposes. Thank you for your understanding.
Q, Please tell me the reason why you wear the number 41. (Handle name: Tatsuya)
A, When I became a professional, the number 41 was given to me by the team for the first time. At first, I didn't have much attachment to it. However, personally, I am a Christian and I love reading the Bible. In the 41st chapter of Isaiah, it is written "God is with me, do not be afraid." It is similar to the lyrics of "You'll Never Walk Alone" and I have a strong attachment to it. In Japan, only about 1% of people are Christians, so I think it's nice to see that energy reaching such a small world. I will continue to wear the number 41 and do my best this season.
Q, Please tell us about the most memorable or impressive saving scene you have experienced so far. (Handle name: Masato-san)
A, I think I did my best in my debut match in Tokyo. It was the Cerezo Osaka match (J1 League, August 6, 2023, Sec. 22). It was my first league match and all I could do was make saves, but it became a very special game as it led to 3 points for us.
Q, Please tell us about your post-match routine. (Handle name: Nishi-san)
A, I am married and have a wife at home, so I am not sure how things will change from here... Matches are usually held on weekends, so after the match, I often watch overseas football. I am not the type to get too excited and have trouble sleeping, but since the day after the match is often a day off, I felt like watching football.
Q, Do you have anything you are conscious of while playing? Also, what do you pay attention to after taking the ball? (Handle name: Suzu-san)
A, When defending, I try to predict what the opponent (forward) near the goal is thinking. Of course, I also observe what the ball holder is thinking and where they are looking. In addition to the ball holder, I also pay attention to where the forward is aiming and where the space is, and share that information with my fellow defenders. After catching the ball, my first thought is to kick it towards the opponent near the goal or the space behind the defense. However, if one of my teammates is making a run behind the defense and there is space in front of them, I also focus on passing the ball there to advance the team.
Q, Do you have any particular preferences for your hairstyle? (Handle name: Mogicchi-san)
A, I've had very short hair like a buzz cut before, and also very long hair, but now I've settled on this hairstyle. I try not to let my hair get too long or wear headbands because I think it might interfere with my vision. If my hair gets in the way, it could be fatal for me as a goalkeeper. I think this hairstyle suits me and I've kept it at this length.
Text by Kyohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
