Looking back personally, during the first half of the league, I had some minor injuries and my condition was not perfect, so there were parts where my form did not fully improve. However, in the second half of the league, especially after summer, my condition greatly improved, and I feel that I was able to contribute solidly to the team.
As expected, participating in the East Asian E-1 Football Championship 2025 (E-1) as a member of the Japan national team and winning the championship gave me great confidence. A conviction like "I can still keep going" sprouted, and from there my condition steadily improved. As a result, from summer onwards, I was able to play in almost all matches, including cup games, without injury, which I truly think was very good.
My personal turning point was the match against Urawa Reds that came immediately after returning to the team from the E-1. After showing the victorious form as a member of the Japan national team, it was a game where I was asked, "So, how am I as an FC Tokyo player in the J.League?" I had a strong feeling that I had to prove my value there, and my spirit and motivation naturally rose. The team won, and I was able to provide two assists personally, making it a significant match for me.
The 2025 season was the first season for head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI to lead the team in Tokyo. I believe the coach was constantly thinking about how to make the most of the players' strengths and the team while experimenting. We players also worked hard, trying to play the style of football the coach aimed for. Although there were some difficulties right after the league started, as time passed, the progress we made in both offense and defense gradually began to show. As a result, I feel that in the second half of the season, this progress actually translated into tangible results.
Especially since entering the second half of the league, our defense has become very solid. While leveraging this strength, we want to continue scoring through better offensive plays. Compared to the first half, I clearly feel that the team has changed, and I believe we have steadily made progress in both offense and defense. Of course, we are not yet satisfied, but I believe we have made definite progress.
And now, for the final match of this season, the game against Albirex Niigata is not directly related to the championship or relegation, but for me, both as a team and as an individual, it is a very important match that connects to the 2026 season. It is crucial to fully demonstrate everything we have built up over the past year. Also, we want to make this a match that makes our fans and supporters feel "excited for next season" and thrilled. Not just this season, but in every match, we will show our gratitude for the cheers and support we receive from everyone through our play.
