Beyond overcoming the obstacles awaited a new scenery──. On May 23, the Japan Football Association announced the 27 members of the Japan national team who will participate in the June FIFA World Cup 26 Asia final qualifiers. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's name was on that member list.
Aiming for the grand stage that Naohiro ISHIKAWA, known as an "idol," could not reach, the unmarked dribbler who had never experienced youth national teams will finally wear the national flag. This marks his first call-up to the national team, one year earlier than his admired senior.
"I never thought I would be chosen. Even now, I can't speak properly and words don't come out. I'm happy, but I don't feel completely satisfied. It has always been my dream since I started playing football, and something I've been chasing. From here, I want to become a member selected for the World Cup."
Since turning professional, he has quietly aimed to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. During his rookie season, I once asked him, "You weren't selected for the youth national teams, but are you interested in representing the national flag?" At that, Tawara Tsumida changed his expression and firmly said, "Yes, I am." However, he also expressed the following words.
"Rather than worrying about the next stage, I want to focus on my own play, and if I can succeed a few years from now, I think I'll be able to say, 'Back then, I couldn't do what I can do now.' So, I want to concentrate on who I am now."
That hidden feeling did not come to fruition. However, rather than feeling regret, it was transformed into a time to face oneself, just as was said beforehand.
"There was no time to be down, and I have always thought about what I was lacking. Even now, I have many challenges, but I have faced myself honestly and come this far. I believe that has led to my growth."
The senior predecessors also directed their arrows at themselves in the same way. A sharp memory came back vividly. It was a story from over 15 years ago. May 10, 2010──. On that day, as seven years had passed since his first selection, the South Africa tournament member announcement press conference was held, and Naohiro ISHIKAWA sat in front of the TV, intently watching every move and word of Manager Takeshi OKADA as he read the member list aloud.
The press conference ended, and he let out a long sigh. He was prepared to accept any outcome. The result was rejection. After achieving a career-high number of goals the previous year, he was featured in newspapers and on television, naturally sparking hopes for his return to the Japan national team. He made his first return to the national team in five and a half years, marking the moment he came closest to the World Cup. However, he could not become the Japan national team’s "last trump card" amid the strong headwinds.
That night, we also invited Nao's childhood friend and went out for a meal. She kept receiving nonstop phone calls, repeatedly saying "Thank you" and "I'll do my best."
The next day at Kodaira Ground, there was Nao repeatedly sprinting back and forth. From his body, drenched in sweat like droplets, an "embarrassing passion" was emanating.
Yuto NAGATOMO has participated in four consecutive World Cups since the South Africa tournament, and he aims to become the first Asian player to appear in five consecutive tournaments at next year's North and Central America World Cup. That much shows how much we have both aged. Upon the first selection of a junior who looks up to him, he found himself calling Nao's mobile phone before he realized it.
"He has a unique style that stands out from other players. I believe that's why he was selected. I think it was significant that Tawara himself felt that sense of achievement. I understand well the feeling of trial and error. Even when he didn't know what to do, he struggled to break through on his own, and finally, the light began to shine. There were people who saw him standing in that light. It's not just about scoring goals; I think this national team selection is a big deal. One success experience will help him grow even more."
Tawaratsumida, now in his third professional year, cheerfully talked about how he is facing the struggles I had in the middle of my career, saying, "He is experiencing it on a much faster cycle than when I was falling apart." Nao said, "Joining the national team is not the goal. He surely understands that it is just a milestone," and continued.
"Surely, Tawara is not aiming for a path someone else has walked. I think he will continue to chase his ideals, but that will be an unrelenting pursuit. He is a player who struggles earnestly, and beyond overcoming each challenge in front of him lies the World Cup and opportunities abroad. Those are just milestones for him. However, Tawara can change the flow of the game with a single play. Maybe he will be called the 'final trump card.' He is smart, unlike me who used to play recklessly. He will carry pressures and expectations he has never felt before and experience things he has never gone through. That too is experience. I like seeing him play freely, but I also like seeing Tawara when he looks frustrated. It must be tough for him though (laughs)"
Nao is not the only one pushing the junior standing at the entrance to a brightly lit future. Family members and coaches involved in their development are also supporting them. Nao said, "Of course, fans and supporters too," and laughed, "I think they watch every play as if nervously watching their own child."
Tawaratsukida once again did not hesitate to express his gratitude to those people.
"I want to be the first to report this to my family, and I couldn't have come this far by my own strength alone. It is thanks to the support of all the staff who have guided me so far. Earlier, I met some staff members at the clubhouse, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to each and every one of them."
It is too dazzling, and even the person themselves probably does not know where this path leads yet. However, relying on the light illuminating their feet, they steadily take one step at a time. There may be times when they hit a wall again along the way.
"I don't think everything was wiped clean just because I was selected for the national team. There were times this season when I struggled like that. It was the same during the process of aiming to become a professional. I faced obstacles many times. It is precisely because of those experiences that I was able to come here. If there had been no walls, I probably wouldn't have become a professional, and I believe those challenges were an important step for my growth."
Both frustrations and joys are all nourishment. I am stepping into a battle representing my country for the first time. "I imagine a tense atmosphere. Since the opponent is also representing their country, a match filled with tension will definitely be a positive experience for me." Saying this, determination was evident in his words.
"I will represent FC Tokyo, and I want to show a level of play that tells many people how amazing Tokyo's players are."
First, from Tokyo to the trump card of the Japan national team. And beyond that──. Fluid and versatile, the future of the 21-year-old dribbler still stretches endlessly.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
