Q: What was the reason for joining FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi from ARTE Hachioji FC Junior?
I had received offers from both Tokyo and other clubs. I was undecided on which one to choose, but I knew a senior who was at Musashi and I was also playing in the Kanto League, so I wanted to go to a higher level team and decided on Tokyo.
Q: Were you also a side player in junior high school? Also, what kind of things did you focus on in practice and games when you were a junior high school student?
I played as a side and forward. During junior high school, I made sure to give 100% effort in every practice and worked hard to be able to participate in games of the grade above me.
Q: Was there a specific moment or period of time when you felt that you had changed?
When I was in 2nd year of junior high school, I was taught by Coach Yukihiko SATO. At that time, I learned how to make dribbles and was allowed to play freely. I think that I am where I am now because I was able to play freely at that time. In 3rd year of junior high school, I was coached by Coach Makoto KITA. There was a time when I was worried about my future in soccer, but we had many conversations and he always supported me. I think that the words from Coach Kita at that time greatly changed my life.
Q: Did you consciously work on your dribbling skills from that time? Were you fast on your feet back then?
A, I was conscious of polishing my dribbling skills since junior high school. The way of dribbling was different from now, and I was able to pass the opponent while putting in feints. From junior high school to high school, I came up with my own training menu and incorporated the parts that were lacking into self-practice while receiving instruction from the coach. From there, my speed and physicality gradually improved, and I became able to pass the opponent by timing without feints. With gained confidence, my style has changed to what it is now.
Q: How did you feel when you were promoted to FC Tokyo U-18?
There was a period of about six months from the second to third year of junior high school when I couldn't play soccer due to an injury. I think whether I could be promoted was a delicate line even among the same grade.
Q: What year did you start playing in matches when you were a member of U-18?
A, I practiced a lot with the A team from my first year of high school. I was also involved in the Premier League a little bit. Since then, I had confidence in my dribbling skills. The seniors were really good at practice, and we were always able to train at a high level. Thanks to that, I felt a higher level when practicing with the seniors, so I was able to play with a calm mind in the matches.
Q: Where did you set your goals during your three years in high school?
A, I was working every day aiming for promotion to the top team. Every day, one hour before practice, I went to the field and practiced shooting from crosses and cut-ins with my left foot, which was also a challenge. Naoki KUMATA player was practicing crosses with me.
Q: Were there any situations where other youth members were participating in the top team? What were your feelings?
I always had the feeling that I wanted to surpass them someday. I have a strong desire not to lose to my fellow members. I think that the players who joined at the same time as me are rivals but also members who can enhance each other.
Q: How did you feel when you were promoted to the top team?
A, I was really happy, but I didn't think I could be satisfied just by becoming a professional. I felt that I had only just started, and I had to work hard from here.
Q: Do you have any players you look up to or anything you particularly focus on during individual training?
A, I don't have any players I refer to. I play with my own original style. In my individual training, I am conscious of practicing shooting because I lack finishing ability and often miss shots in games. I also continue to focus on practicing crosses, just like I did in high school.
Q: What does Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda expect from you?
What is being asked for is goals and assists. I am often told to come and do it with courage and bold play.
Q: What kind of play do you think about when you receive the ball during a match?
If it's a one-on-one situation, I will first try to make a move. Depending on the situation or if there are two defenders from the opposing team, I may change my decision, but the basic approach is to take the initiative myself. Once I confront the opponent's defense, I can get a sense of it to some extent. Based on that, I may change the dribbling path, speed, and timing. When I'm making a move, it's hard to put it into words, but there are moments when I feel like I can do it. There are times when I get stopped by dribbling and feel anxious when making the next move, but personally, I switch my mindset to "It's natural to fail, so I just need to get past the opponent next time" and play with that mentality.
Q: Are there any moments during playing that you find enjoyable or feel a sense of accomplishment?
I think everyone feels a sense of accomplishment and joy when they score a goal or make an assist. Of course, I feel the same way, but I find it most enjoyable when I dribble past an opponent while playing soccer.
Q: Are there any players you dislike facing?
A, it's Hotaka NAKAMURA. He often gets past opponents with his dribbling during practice, but even after getting past them, Nakamura is very persistent in his defensive efforts. I think he is really good at defense.
Q: "Influential football players, the player who had the most impact in past matches" mentioned Keisuke Honda as the answer. What kind of presence is Honda for player Tawaratsumida?
I chose it because it left the biggest impression on me while watching the World Cup in Brazil. Although our playing styles are completely different, I also want to create that kind of presence on the pitch.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Japan national team and the 2024 Paris Olympics?
I don't really have much awareness of representing. My strongest desire is to perform well as a team first. That's the only thing I'm thinking about. If I work hard and perform well in matches in Tokyo, I believe I will naturally be selected for the Japan national team.
Q: Do you focus on training your physical abilities after practice, considering it as a recent concern?
A, I think I can aim higher if I can improve my physical abilities. When I am hit by an opponent, I often lose my body balance, so I am focusing on it. Rather than increasing muscle mass, it is an image of strengthening the core and firmly establishing the axis.
Q: I think you have been watching games at Ajinomoto Stadium since your academy days. What did you think when you stood on the pitch yourself?
A, I have always been on the side of watching from the stands, so I was really happy to be on the side of being watched. My family also came to watch the game, so I hope I can repay them. When I heard the cheers of many fans and supporters, I was able to get power. When I first stepped onto the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium, I was still nervous, but there were parts where I think my dribbling was effective within myself. However, I haven't achieved anything in terms of results yet, so I want to contribute to goals and assists.
Q: What kind of year do you want the 2023 season to be? Please tell us the team's goals and individual goals.
A, the team's goal is to win the league. The individual goal is to be involved in the games and perform well, just like player Matsuki did in the previous season.
Q: Finally, do you have a message for the fans and supporters?
A, the support and cheering from the fans during the matches is a great source of strength. Sometimes, I feel anxious before playing in a match, but when I hear the cheers, it becomes a source of energy and gives me courage. I will do my best to meet the expectations, so please continue to support me.
