TOKYOism

At Kodaira Ground, where he returned after a long time, Ryunosuke SATO reflected on the 2025 season. He gained solid personal growth through accumulated playing experience at Fagiano Okayama, the stimulation and confidence earned with the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team), and the double honors of the J.League Best Young Player Award and the Outstanding Player Award. Now that he has returned after making a great leap forward, the expectations from those around him are also high. With the confidence he gained from the decision to change his environment, what will he demonstrate? His resolve and sense of responsibility were evident in every word he spoke.

Carrying the expectations of those around, returning once again to blue and red

Q. How do you find Kodaira Ground after a long time?
A, nothing has changed, but I felt a sense of nostalgia. At the clubhouse, I was able to talk with the coaches who took care of me during my academy days, and I truly feel like I have "come back."

Q. Looking back on this season, what kind of season was it?
A, I feel that I was able to grow significantly as a professional soccer player in the 2025 season. I also believe I became stronger as an individual. Compared to the 2024 season, it was a season where I was able to grow in various aspects.

Q, I believe it was a breakthrough season with great achievements, such as being selected for the Japan national team and winning both the Best Young Player Award and the Outstanding Player Award.
A, I had many opportunities to play at Fagiano Okayama, and I believe that through participating in matches, I gained new sensations and expanded the range of my play. Facing highly skilled players on the J1 League stage allowed me to improve my one-on-one and physical strength, as well as the skills and quality of my play to score goals, which also led to results. I think this growth and confidence came precisely because I was able to play consistently.

Q. During the 2025 season spent in Okayama, was there a match or moment that became a turning point?
A, the significant change I felt within myself was during Sec. 19 of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League match against Shonan Bellmare. Since I had activities with the Japan national team scheduled after that match, I was able to approach the game with great personal confidence, and I believe that confidence led to good plays and goals. This match was the turning point where I gained the confidence that I can compete firmly in the J1 League as well.

Q. How was your experience during your first activity with the Japan national team?
A, I was truly surprised and nervous when I heard I was selected. Participating in national team activities and matches made me even more determined to be part of the team again and perform well. I feel that my standards and perspective on football have changed because I was chosen for the national team.

Q. After signing the professional contract for the 2023 season, I believe you have also gone through some difficult times.
A, to be honest, I may not have had the confidence that I could "definitely do it," and looking back now, my skills were far from sufficient. I strongly felt that I needed to grow in one or two more areas, so I chose to play in Okayama and change my environment. I believe this challenge has moved in a positive direction, and everyone in Tokyo also supported that decision. I think it was with such support that this transfer was made possible. By performing well in Tokyo from the 2026 season, I want people to feel that this challenge was the right choice.

Q. How did Tokyo look from Sato's perspective in the 2025 season?
I watched all the matches unless they overlapped with the game against Okayama. In the early part of the season, I could see the team working on a new system, and in the latter half of the league, new players joined, making me feel the team's strength and defensive solidity. By joining this team, I want to contribute to playing even more attacking football.

Q. Do you have an image of the kind of play you want to make after joining the team?
A, I haven't finalized the detailed tactical image yet, but as an individual, I want to focus on playing proactively after receiving the ball. I aim to send arrows toward the goal through dribbling challenges and through passes. Dribbling is also an area where I have improved this season, so I want to demonstrate my breakthrough ability and the power to resolve situations on the pitch.

Q. What kind of communication did you have with the club regarding your return?
A, since around summer, we have been discussing the next season. I received words from everyone at the club that they need me and want me to play a central role in the team. I also strongly feel their expectations for goals and assists. As a player, I believe that if I don't show it in numbers, I won't be evaluated, so I want to focus on that again next season.

Q. I think the expectations around you are also rising, but do you feel any pressure?
A, I am confident, so it's okay. I feel that playing while feeling good pressure is better for me as an individual.

Q. You feel pressure, but you also have confidence that surpasses it.
A, that's right. This season, I was able to demonstrate that in Okayama. However, as a Tokyo player, I have not yet been able to perform well. I feel that the tension to achieve the goal of "succeeding in Tokyo" is gradually increasing.

Q. Please give a message to all the fans and supporters.
A, I want to fully show how much I have grown as a Tokyo player. Let's win the championship. Thank you for your support.

Photo by Kenichi Arai