Q, how did you find out that you were selected for the Japan national team?
A, before today's practice, I was told by Yuto NAGATOMO, "Do your best," but at first I didn't understand what he meant. I thought it might be about being selected for the national team, but I wasn't sure what it was. After practice, when we gathered as a team, General Manager Kohara announced it and I found out too.
Q, what did you honestly think?
A, honestly, I thought it was about whether I could make it to the U-22 Japan national team. I never even considered the Japan national team, so I am still surprised.
Q: Do you have any feelings of excitement about challenging the Japanese national team?
I have been able to practice with player Nagatomo, who has been active on the World Cup stage. When practicing together, I thought that the World Cup is a stage where people like him can go. I am looking forward to the activities of the Japan national team, as I think there are many people like Nagatomo.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show?
I think I was selected and recognized for my performance as a team. It is natural to defend, but I want to aggressively go for the attack, which is my strength.
Q: Did you talk to Nagatomo after hearing about his selection for the Japan national team?
He said, "When I told you to do your best, this is what I meant." At that time, I received very grateful words from Nagatomo.
Q, what kind of skills do you want to acquire through your activities in the Japanese national team?
A, I think it's not good to just go when called. I want to play aggressively while focusing on producing results without becoming passive.
Q, Yuto Nagatomo was also selected for the Japanese national team for the first time at the age of 21. He was selected for the Japanese national team at the same age.
During the camp, I was told by Nagatomo that "I entered the national team at the age of 21, so you have to enter this year." When I was told about joining the national team, that was the first thing that came to mind.
Q, are you sparkling?
A, there is some surprise now. I don't feel much tension, but since I was called, I have the feeling of wanting to do my best.
Q: Did you have a feeling that you would be called up to the Japanese national team this year?
Rather than a premonition, I thought that if I could produce good results with the team, I would be evaluated, just like with the U-22 Japan national team. First and foremost, I was playing with the team in mind.
Q: Was it necessary to start in Tokyo as a prerequisite to being selected for the Japan national team?
A player in the same position who played an active role in last year's World Cup is right in front of me. I was only thinking about taking the position from that player and playing.
Q: I think you were focused on the Tokyo Olympics when the U-20 World Cup was canceled. How do you feel about the difference between the Japan national team and the Japan U-20 national team?
A, watching the previous Tokyo Olympics, the players who performed well there were also active in the Qatar World Cup. I feel that the distance is close because I saw that. Coach Oiwa of the U-22 Japan national team often talks about the "Japan national team via the Paris Olympics" in front of the players participating in the U-22 Japan national team. The players who participate in the Olympics were conscious of playing with the level of such players.
Q: When you compete against the world, the players you compare yourself to also become world-class players. Please share your thoughts on the global stage.
During the same period as the Qatar World Cup, I was involved in activities with the U-21 Japan national team. I had the opportunity to play against Spain and Portugal, and it had a significant impact on me. Based on that experience, I have been working hard, including during training camps, but I still feel that I am not enough. I believe that I cannot compete on the world stage like player Nagatomo unless I align my standards with the world. I am conscious of this on a daily basis.
Q: What did Player Nagatomo say?
A, I will keep it in my heart for now.
Q: Did you watch any footage of when Nagatomo made his debut for the national team and built his position in the team by performing well?
I'm not sure if this is a video of when he was first selected for the Japanese national team, but I have seen videos of Nagatomo's play.
Q, Is there anything you feel when you play as a member of the Japan national team?
A, It would be a waste to be passive. I have nothing to lose, so if I am called, I want to aggressively take my position.
Q: What specific impact did you experience during last year's European tour?
A, specifically, it is about playing with the sense that it is good if you can strip the opponent in a one-on-one situation, even if you are defended in defense, and the physical strength. I experienced it and my own standards changed.
Q: You give off a calm impression, but this season we hear a lot of strong words like "aggressive". Is this an expression of your thoughts?
A, this season I am considering the aspect of proactiveness as a challenge within myself. I hope to continue showing more and more proactiveness.
Q, do you analyze your personality as "calm"?
A, perhaps, I think everyone perceives me as calm. However, there is a part within me that says "I absolutely do not want to lose here." I want to show that side even in the Japanese national team.
