FOCUS ON - This Week's Highlight
On a cold, windy Kodaira ground, there was a player who stood out. During the public practice on this day, Kei KOIZUMI showcased a new hairstyle. His perfectly fitting buzz cut drew surprised reactions from teammates and fans alike.
After the practice, Koizumi's first words in response to the interview were, "I just cut it normally since my hair was long like everyone else's," and he continued.
"I didn't cause any scandals or inconvenience to anyone. There isn't any particular reason, so I'm sorry I can't provide a comment that meets everyone's expectations. However, I had been growing my hair a bit since the end of last year, and I found myself questioning, 'Am I just growing my hair out to look more attractive?' There was a feeling that if I didn't do this, I would be losing to myself, even though I'm not fighting against anyone (laughs)."
And when further inquiries came from the press, he said, "Honestly, it's not about soccer, but I feel like I'm heading in a direction that's not true to myself as a man. Since coming to Tokyo, I've gotten a perm, dyed my hair, and gone for highlights, and I wonder if I'm going in a direction that's not me. When I questioned what it means to be a Japanese man, this is what I arrived at."
The big brother of Tokyo arrived at the answer that "a man should remain silent and have a buzz cut."
(Titles omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
"We asked the players about their thoughts on ○○"
A project where we ask players questions gathered from 2025 SOCIO and OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members, titled 'We Asked the Players About Their Concerns.'
This time's "What's on my mind" features the entertainer that the blue and red proudly boast, Teppei OKA. I asked this passionate man, whose shouts have become a staple echoing through Ajinomoto Stadium, about what he's concerned about.
※Some of the questions we received may have been edited for clarity. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: Please tell us about recommended spots in your hometown, player Oka. (Handle name: Supporter living near Mount Fuji)
A: It’s a café called Setagaya Coffee Yu, located near Umegaka Station. I recommend it because I really like the pancakes topped with ice cream there; they are very delicious.
Q: My son attends the same elementary school as player Oka. What kind of practice did player Oka do when he was in the first grade? (Nickname: Hibi)
A: I wasn't playing soccer in the first grade. I started playing soccer in the third grade. In the first grade, I was doing basketball, kendo, and karate. After I started playing soccer, I practiced kicking with both feet a lot to be able to kick the ball with both feet.
Q: Please tell us your goals for this season. (Handle name: Season 50 Points)
A: My goal is for players from the academy to excel and achieve victory to win the league championship. Among them, I want to be a key player and lead the team.
Q: How would you briefly describe your personality? (Handle name: Takamina, An)
A: According to MBTI, I am an entertainer. I enjoy spending time with everyone and doing fun things. It becomes more enjoyable when everyone gets excited, so I actively cheer for the team during the matches.
Q: I am currently playing basketball in a club activity, but I am struggling to improve. What did you do in a similar situation? (Handle name: Same-san)
A: I do a lot of repetitive practice. However, if I still don't improve, I first try various different methods on my own. If that still doesn't work, I seek advice from coaches or instructors and practice using different methods. From my own experience, I practiced a lot of lifting with the instep, but I wasn't successful at all. During that time, while doing repetitive practice, I changed the spot where I hit the ball, and it worked well. I believe it's important to take on many challenges.
◇Teppei OKA Profile
Date of Birth: 2001-09-06
Height/Weight: 186cm/83kg
Hometown: Setagaya, Tokyo
Characteristics and Strengths of My Play: Roaring, spirit, long passes with both feet, aerial battles utilizing height
Favorite Subject in School: Home Economics
What would you like to eat for your last supper?: Crab
Player profile is here
