FOCUS ON ~This Week's Photo~
On the cold and windy KODAIRA ground, there was a player who stood out. At the open practice on this day, Kei KOIZUMI showed off a new hairstyle. His completely shaved head was so fitting that it surprised both his teammates and fans/supporters.
After the practice, Koizumi's first words in response to the interview were, "My hair was just as long as everyone else's, so I cut it normally," and he continued, saying:
"I didn't cause any scandals or inconvenience anyone. There's no particular reason, so I apologize for not being able to give a comment that meets everyone's expectations. However, I did start growing out my hair around the end of last year, so I even questioned myself, 'Am I trying to be more attractive by growing out my hair?' It wasn't about competing with anyone, but I felt like I would be giving in to myself if I cut it off (laughs)."
And when asked by the press for further pursuit, he said, "Honestly, instead of soccer, I wonder if I'm going in a direction that's not true to myself as a man. Coming to Tokyo, getting a perm, dyeing my hair, putting in highlights, going in a direction that's not me. When I asked myself what it means to be a Japanese man, this is where I ended up."
Tokyo's big brother has come to the answer of "Men, shut up and get a buzz cut."
(Titles omitted in text)
Text by Yohhei Baba (Freelance Writer)
"What ○○ do you want to ask the players?"
"Ask the players what you want to know" project, where we ask questions from 2025SOCIO・OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members to the players.
This time's "Curious ○○" features the entertainer of Akaaka, Teppei OKA. We asked the hot-blooded man about what he's curious about, as the screams echoing in Ajinomoto Stadium have become second nature to him.
※Some of the questions we have received may have been edited for formatting purposes. Thank you for your understanding.
Q, Please tell us about recommended spots in the hometown of player Okada. (Handle name: Supporter living near Mt. Fuji)
A, There is a cafe called Setagaya Coffee Yu near Umegaoka Station. I recommend the pancakes with ice cream on top, they are delicious and one of my favorites.
Q, My son goes to the same elementary school as player Oka. What kind of practice did player Oka do when he was in first grade? (Handle name: Hibi-san)
A, He didn't play soccer when he was in first grade. He started playing soccer in third grade. In first grade, he played basketball, kendo, and karate. After starting soccer, he practiced kicking with both feet a lot in order to be able to kick the ball with both feet.
Q, Please tell us your goal for this season. (Handle name: Season 50 points)
A, Our goal is for our academy players to shine and for us to win the league. Personally, I want to be a key player and lead the team to victory.
Q, What would you say is your personality in a nutshell? (Handle name: Takamina-san, An-san)
A, According to MBTI, I am an entertainer. I enjoy spending time with others and doing fun things. I like to get everyone excited, so I actively cheer and support my team during games.
Q, Now, I am playing basketball in my club activities, but I am struggling to improve. What did you do when you were in a similar situation? (Handle name: Same-san)
A, I do a lot of repetitive practice. But if I don't improve, I first try different methods within myself. If that doesn't work, I ask for advice from a coach or other instructor and practice in a different way. As a personal experience, I was practicing a lot of lifting with my instep, but it didn't work at all. Even then, while doing repetitive practice, I changed the spot where I hit the ball and it worked. I think it's important to take on many challenges.
◇Teppei OKA Player Profile
Date of Birth: September 6, 2001
Height/Weight: 186cm/83kg
Hometown: Setagaya, Tokyo
Strengths in My Play: Roaring, Passion, Long Passes with Both Feet, Aerial Battles
Favorite Subject in School: Home Economics
What Do You Want to Eat for Your Last Meal?: Crab
Player profile is here
