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The 2026 J.League season is approaching a major turning point, with the previously considered season transition being implemented and the full-scale strengthening of post-youth development in mind, the 'U-21 J.League' also starting. In Tokyo, four young players who have honed their skills in the academy and engraved the pride of the blue and red in their hearts are beginning their careers as professional soccer players.
"When I participated in the top team's practice, I couldn't play well at all, so to be honest, I was worried about whether I could be promoted. But when I was told that I could move up, I felt relieved and mostly very happy."
Divine OTANI. Born on May 4, 2007, 18 years old. His physicality is overwhelming. Utilizing his impressive physique of 191cm and 86kg, he becomes a target at the front line, and with skillful movements, he breaks behind the opponent's defensive line and brilliantly scores goals. The number "18" he has worn since his time at FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi is a lucky number he is strongly attached to.
Just before the start of last season's Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2024 EAST (Premier League). Otani, who had few opportunities to play as a forward, trailing behind Taiyo YAMAGUCHI and Kio TANAKA, received an unexpected proposal from coach Yukihiko SATO. It was a conversion to right side half.
"To be honest, at first I didn't want to do it, but when I tried playing on the side, I found a fun aspect that I didn't experience as a forward. From the side, I could see the entire opposing defensive line, making it easier to break through behind them." As a result, he played in all 22 league matches and scored a team-high 6 goals. He also felt that his new potential had expanded.
However, there is more to that conversion episode...
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"I was honestly happy, and I think I was able to give back to my parents in some way. My mother is someone who cries easily, so she cried when I reported the promotion, and my father was also pleased."
Yuta SUGAWARA. Born on September 7, 2007, 18 years old. His devilish left foot is powerful enough. Once he receives the ball on the right side, the ideas that follow are limitless. Whether it's a cut-in shot, the right-footed crosses that have been refined this season, or the instantly established combinations with teammates, he skillfully switches between them all, continuously posing a threat to opponents. He is what you would call a naturally gifted left-footer.
Although he participated in the top team's camp for two consecutive seasons, it is hard to say that he was able to deliver the performance he had hoped for. Additionally, a junior two years younger than him fully demonstrated his true ability and secured playing opportunities in the J1 League, which only intensified his frustration.
"I was filled with quite a lot of frustration. Honestly, I wanted to be the one to ride that momentum, not Maki KITAHARA, but since Maki's performance was better, I felt quite frustrated both during the camp and after returning."
However, I was painfully aware of my lack of ability within myself. Emotions swirling inside my heart. At such times, what I remembered were the words sent to me during the camp by Masato MORISHIGE, a club legend who has also accumulated numerous experiences himself...
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"I have lived in Kodaira since I was born, and I started playing soccer because of FC Tokyo's soccer school. I have always attended the fan service after the top team's practice, so I am filled with nothing but happiness and excitement to be able to start my professional career with the team I admired."
Kaede SUZUKI. Born on June 5, 2007, 18 years old. Truly a pure product of the blue and red. Until the FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi days, his main position was center back, but after being promoted to U-18, he also tried playing as a defensive midfielder, greatly expanding his range of play. His precise kicking ability to deliver both short and long passes, along with his high skill and calm judgment to confidently bring the ball out from the back line and participate in build-up play, are qualities that are fully capable of competing at the professional level.
He appeared in 19 Premier League matches since his first year of high school. While training and competing with high-level seniors such as Ryunosuke SATO (on a developmental loan to Fagiano Okayama) and Shuto NAGANO (on a developmental loan to Gainare Tottori), he established his position within the team. However, last season, when further growth was expected, he was unfortunately plagued by a series of injuries.
"I had never had a serious injury before, but around the end of May last season, I suffered a muscle tear... I returned during the summer break, but then got injured again, came back, got injured again, and repeated this cycle three times."
First long-term absence in my career. It wasn't without anxiety...
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"To be honest, I thought it was a difficult line to reach the top, so I was very happy, but at the same time, I felt that I need to tighten up my lifestyle from now on to face soccer more seriously. However, I am confident that I can make it as a professional, and the strongest feeling I have is 'I'm looking forward to it.'"
Kio TANAKA. Born on August 7, 2007, 18 years old. Aggressively bold to an impressive degree. An attacker equipped with the ability to perform above standard in any offensive position, he boldly takes on challenges whenever he has the ball. The determination to absolutely defeat the opponent in front of him radiates from every aspect of his play. His competitive spirit has been his greatest asset since he started playing soccer.
On the other hand, he also has the flexibility to honestly adopt things he thinks are good. Last season, when he was a second-year student, he noticed the routine that his senior, who was one year ahead, continued, and this had a significant impact, leading to a change in his mindset towards training.
"Last season, the third-year seniors came to practice really early. By the time I finished school and arrived at the field, they were already kicking the ball around, especially Yutaha OKOSHI (currently with Juntendo University Soccer Club), who was constantly kicking the ball. I haven't talked to him personally, but from my perspective, I could see that Yutaha's dribbling and shooting had improved tremendously, so I thought that if I worked hard like that, I could grow even more myself."
This season started with the determination to absolutely become a professional...
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Having spent a considerable amount of time at this club from the academy, when asked what they want to achieve in Tokyo, the same phrase slipped from all four of them. I would like to share that with you at the end...
"As an individual, I want to be involved in playing in the J1 League from my first season, and above all, I strongly want to contribute to Tokyo's J1 League championship." (Otani)
"I have been taken care of by this club, so rather than thinking about transferring overseas, I want to lead Tokyo to win the J1 League." (Sugawara)
"Tokyo has never won the J1 League championship, so becoming a key player for Tokyo and contributing to winning the J1 League is a major goal for me." (Suzuki)
"Eventually, I definitely have the goal of wearing the number 10 for this team and leading Tokyo to win the J1 League." (Tanaka)
The four 18-year-olds all spoke of the long-cherished keyword for Tokyo: 'J1 League Championship.' If such a time comes in the near future, and at the moment the final whistle blows, all four of them are standing on the pitch, it would undoubtedly be the best sight for them and for everyone surrounding Tokyo.
Text by Masashi Tsuchiya (Football Writer)
