FOCUS ON - This Week's Highlight
As the season of departure arrives, a graduation event for the FC Tokyo Soccer School Advanced Class was held at Kodaira Ground on this day. After practice, the players took turns to come forward and offered words of congratulations to the children who will become middle school students this spring. Among them was Soma ANZAI, who graduated from Waseda University this spring.
"I also played in the Advanced Class, but my time here will never be wasted. Some will advance to the academy, and I believe everyone has their own path. I also played in the academy in Tokyo, but after being away for high school and university, I am now back in Tokyo playing. Even if I can't get promoted, that doesn't determine my future. It's important to cherish the present, and that will definitely not be a waste for the future. Whether it's in duels or running, always give your best and keep playing hard."
Anzai wore the number 10 at FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, but went on to Aomori Yamada High School. He then progressed to Waseda University and joined the professional ranks a year earlier than last season. He spoke about the path he has taken, and the children listened intently to his words.
Congratulations on your graduation, everyone.
(Titles omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
"We asked the players about their thoughts on ○○"
A project called "Ask the Players" where we pose questions gathered from 2025 SOCIO･OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members to the players.
This time's "What I'm Curious About" features Soma ANZAI, who will wear the number 7 jersey and play this season. We asked this hard worker, full of blue and red spirit, some questions about what we're curious about.
※Some of the questions we received may have been edited for clarity. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: What is your favorite food? Is there any food you are currently into? (Handle name: Anonymous)
A: I don't have a specific favorite, but I generally love Japanese cuisine. It's just too delicious. I enjoy eating in that Japanese-style atmosphere, and the dishes are tasty. I had Japanese food for dinner yesterday as well. The clay pot rice was the best.
Q: When I participated in the interaction event the other day, it had a very nice scent. What perfume are you using? (Handle name: Tokyo supporter living in Saitama)
A: I have several perfumes, but I have one favorite that I almost exclusively use. It's OFF-WHITE™'s SOLUTION No.7. This isn't because my jersey number is 7, but I've liked this scent since last season. My jersey number became 7 this season, but it's my current favorite perfume.
Q: You give a strong impression physically, but please tell us about the training you usually focus on. (Handle name: Kyoko)
A: I am not necessarily strong. I can run, but in terms of impact strength and pure power, (Sato) Eiin is stronger. I have good jumping ability, but it all comes down to mindset. For running, I incorporate low-oxygen training once a week. It is an essential training for me. I don't have a fixed menu; I adjust the program according to my fatigue level. I do heart rate training to enhance lung function, and when there are no matches, I incorporate lactic acid training to get stronger. I am refining my running by combining various programs.
Q. You are wearing the number 7 jersey that Kuryu MATSUKI wore from this season. Which match holds the most memories with Matsuki? (Handle name: yasuhito/17)
A. A memorable match... I wonder. Is it okay to mention two matches? The first match was in the first round of the National High School Soccer Championship when I was a third-year high school student, against Hiroshima Minami High School. The opponent set up a six-back defense from kickoff and marked both me and Kuryu almost man-to-man. We struggled to score and ended the first half without a goal. During halftime, Coach Kuroda (now FC Machida Zelvia coach) gave a stern talk not to the whole team, but specifically to me and Kuryu, probably the toughest of the year. It was quite strict. But about five minutes into the second half, Kuryu scored the opening goal, and shortly after, I added another goal, winning 2-0. Personally, that match remains memorable. The other match was last season against Urawa Reds at Japan National Stadium. It was the first time Kuryu and I played together as professional players in that match. I ran the full 90 minutes, and Kuryu scored a goal. Sharing the victory on the same pitch was deeply moving.
Q. Is there a player in Tokyo you absolutely don’t want to lose to? (Handle name: Oba Supporter)
A. The player I really don’t want to lose to in Tokyo right now is probably Kosuke SHIRAI. But we’re actually very close friends. It all started when we shared a room at the Okinawa camp during the JFA/J.League Special Designated Players program. Since then, we’ve gotten along well, and now our lockers are next to each other at the training ground. Last season, I played as a winger and Kosuke played as a side back, so we often formed a vertical partnership, and I think we built a good complementary relationship there. For example, I would often challenge for goal kicks and then run back to cover defensively. Since I don’t have explosive breakthrough ability, Kosuke would overlap and support me in those areas. Helping each other on the pitch created a strong bond between us. Naturally, we started talking more and went out to eat together quite often. This season, we shared a room again for the second consecutive Okinawa camp, and during the off-season, we even went to a remote island together. Well, Kosuke transferred here in the summer of the 2023 season, and since he didn’t have many acquaintances or friends originally and was struggling to fit in, I’m just keeping him company (laughs).
◇Soma ANZAI Profile
Date of Birth: September 29, 2002
Place of Origin: Meguro, Tokyo
Height/Weight: 175cm/68kg
How I spend my days off: Cafe, Sauna
What I always do before a match: Enter the pitch with my left foot
Tell us something surprising about your teammate: Teppei OKA is a bit lonely
Player profile is here
