He has climbed the stairs one step at a time from the J3 League. Accumulating more than 30 official game appearances every year, he has paved the way to the J1 League at the age of 27. The side back with a familiar name for the blue and red team holds a new dream and stands on the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q, Please tell us your honest impression when you received an offer from FC Tokyo.
A, I was so happy that I almost cried. At the timing of deciding whether to stay with Fagiano Okayama or transfer to another J2 League club, I received a formal offer. I have been waiting for an offer from a J1 League club, so I finally felt like the path was open and that all my efforts had paid off. I made the decision without hesitation and was so overwhelmed that I almost cried.
Q, Was there anything important you considered in making this decision?
We have been taking one step at a time from the J3 League aiming for the J1 League. When I received the offer, I had already made up my mind because I don't consider myself a player of the level to choose from.
Q, What image did you have of FC Tokyo?
A, FC Tokyo's fullbacks have the impression of participating in the World Cup every tournament. I am happy to be called up from such a club as the same position. Right now, I have a strong desire to learn as much as possible.
Q: Have you ever played against FC Tokyo, including practice games? Also, if you have any impressions on their soccer style or coach from an outside perspective, please let me know.
A, I probably haven't played against them before. I have a strong image of connecting passes and going to the goal. I had the impression that coach Albert Puig Ortoneda was playing very interesting football even during his time at Albirex Niigata. I wanted to play in that environment and I thought he was a coach who could build a good team.
Q, I think you will be competing as a left back. Can you tell me your strong points?
A, of course I think that interpersonal skills and running are strengths, but I think that other players also have strengths. In the sense that other players do not have, I think that long throws are my own weapon. Even without being set, I have confidence in throwing from a low position to the space behind the opponent's center back. I think that the long throw when the opponent is off guard is a strong point, and I have been using it as a weapon since I was in fifth grade of elementary school.
Q, after joining, I think there will be a tough competition for positions.
In the three years I have spent in Okayama, I have gained the confidence to believe that I can do it too. Now, I just think that I will do it without hesitation. Since it is my first time in the J1 league, I think it is only necessary to focus on my own play without worrying about those around me. I have that much confidence.
Q, it seems that you were also the player representative in Okayama, but did you also have a strong attachment?
A, the player representative became the chairman by chance because the previous chairman transferred (bitter smile). However, I think I was able to build a good relationship with the supporters. I am the type to return a message when I receive one, so I was also encouraged by various words of support. I really liked the city and the people of the prefecture. Also, next season, I had the feeling of aiming for promotion to the J1 league as a team, not as an individual, but I thought that this kind of opportunity is rare. I believe that the Okayama supporters will send me off kindly and I made this decision.
Q, have you been in contact with fellow FC Tokyo alumni Shingo AKAMINE and Kazumasa UESATO, who are from the same hometown as you?
A, I immediately contacted Shingo when I heard the news from Tokyo. Even in Okayama, our homes are close and we have been taken care of by each other's families, as we recently had a meal together. When I told him the news, he congratulated me. When I met Uesato, she also encouraged me by saying "Go for it".
Q, What were your thoughts and impressions when you played against J1 League clubs in the past?
During his time at FC Ryukyu, Teruhito NAKAGAWA's play against Yokohama F.Marinos was impressive. Every season, in the section for players he disliked playing against, NAKAGAWA's name was written due to his speed, making me realize what the J1 League was all about. I am very relieved to now be a teammate with him. I had the impression that J1 League players each had their own weapons to break through difficult situations, and they seemed like distant figures. However, I believe I have improved my level in this past year, so I have confidence that I can keep up with them.
Q, there was also talk of finally reaching the peak of your career in terms of age, and this is your first challenge in the J1 League. How do you feel about this timing?
First, I want to aim to participate in the opening game of next season. And, I want to be selected for the Japan national team in the E-1 Championship in two years and aim for the World Cup in four years.
Q, this is a more specific goal.
I believe that if it's FC Tokyo, we can grow to that extent. Mr. Kota MIZUNUMA also joined the national team after turning 30 before this World Cup, so I think it's the age to seize such opportunities. First of all, I want to aim for a spot in the national team for the E-1 Championship.
Q, Does the excitement of this tournament also affect your awareness of the World Cup?
A, yes. In terms of age, I think it's my first and last chance (for the next North American tournament), so I have a stronger determination.
Q, Do you have anything you want to learn or be inspired by from player Nagatomo, who made his fourth appearance at the age of 36?
A, I think he is a player who always stands at the forefront and speaks out in terms of mentality, so I want to learn not only how to play but also the most important human aspect from him.
Q, Although the pronunciation of the name is different, it is a name that gives a strong sense of déjà vu. There may have been times when he was mistaken for Yuhei TOKUNAGA.
A, Yuhei TOKUNAGA was also a member of the Japan national team and played in the London Olympics as an overage player, so of course I know him. However, from now on, I hope that TOKUNAGA will leave an impact here that will make people mistake me for him.
Q, what kind of year do you want to have next season?
A, this is a transfer that I decided to make because I really want to contribute to winning the league championship. I want to make this a season where we can all end with a smile.
Q, What is your impression of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home from now on?
When I actually played in the J2 League and watched FC Tokyo's games on DAZN, I thought it was a great stadium with a strong sense of unity. I've also heard from Akamine-san that FC Tokyo's supporters are amazing, so I can't wait to experience that passion firsthand.
Q, Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters as a business card substitute.
I want you to remember the name Shuhei TOKUMOTO as soon as possible. I am often called Yuhei, but I want to show my performance so that you can remember and call my name "Shuhei" as soon as possible. Thank you for your support from now on.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
