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: This season, I am wearing the number 7 jersey that Kuryu MATSUKI wore. Which match holds memories of Matsuki for you? (Handle name: yasuhito/17)
A: A memorable match... what could it be? Is it okay if I mention two matches? The first match was during my third year of high school in the first round of the National High School Soccer Championship against Hiroshima Minami High School. The opponent set up a six-back defense right from the kickoff, and they closely marked both Kuryu and me. We struggled to score and ended the first half without a goal. During halftime, Coach Kuroda (currently the coach of FC Machida Zelvia) gave a strong pep talk directed at Kuryu and me, rather than the team as a whole. He was quite strict with us. However, about five minutes into the second half, Kuryu scored the opening goal, and shortly after, I added another goal, leading us to a 2-0 victory. Personally, that match remains memorable for me. The other match was last season against Urawa Reds at the Japan National Stadium. It was the first time Kuryu and I played together as professional players in the Urawa match. I ran for the full 90 minutes, and Kuryu scored a goal. It was a deeply moving experience to savor victory on the same pitch.
Q: Is there a player you absolutely do not want to lose to in Tokyo? (Handle name: Oba Support)
A: The player I really don’t want to lose to in Tokyo right now is Kosuke SHIRAI. But we are really good friends. It all started when we shared a room during the Okinawa camp when he was a special designated player by JFA and J-League. Since then, we have become close, and now our lockers are next to each other at the training ground. Last season, I played as a winger and Kosuke as a full-back, so we had many opportunities to work together, and I think we developed a good complementary relationship. For example, I often competed for goal kicks and then ran back to cover defensively. In return, since I don’t have explosive breakthrough power, Kosuke helped me by overlapping in those situations. I believe we built a good relationship by helping each other through our play. Naturally, our conversations have increased, and we have had more opportunities to go out for meals together. This season, we shared a room again at the Okinawa camp for the second consecutive year, and during our time off, we even went to a remote island together. Well, it was a bit sad that Kosuke didn’t have many acquaintances or friends when he transferred in the summer of the 2023 season, so I just wanted to keep 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
