Wearing the number 10 jersey, which can be said to be the symbol of Kashima Antlers, Ryotaro ARAKI, who won the J.League Best Young Player Award in his second professional season, will don the blue and red uniform from the 2024 season. In the past few seasons, ARAKI has struggled with injuries and limited playing time, but instead of a comeback, he has vowed to continue evolving.
Q, Please tell us how you felt when you received an offer from Tokyo.
A, I wanted to play soccer that connects the ball, and I thought that Tokyo's soccer is suitable for me now. The style attracted me a lot. Also, when I talked with the club, they conveyed their passionate feelings, saying, "I want to fight together." It matched the style of soccer that I myself am looking for, and I decided to fight in Tokyo.
Q: Did you consult with anyone regarding this transfer?
I consulted with my former teammate at Kashima Antlers, Kei Koizumi. He told me, "It's definitely a team that will suit Taro," and I took that into consideration when joining. Also, there are several acquaintances from the Paris Olympics generation in Tokyo, such as Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kuryu MATSUKI, so I'm not too worried about fitting in with the team.
Q, is your nickname 'Taro'?
A, I have been called by this nickname since I was in junior high school and I really like it. Until junior high school, I was called "Ryo", but there was another "Ryo" on the same team in junior high school, so I became "Taro" (laughs). I would like people in Tokyo to call me "Taro" as well.
Q, there is also Yuto NAGATOMO, a senior from Toho High School.
A, I also had the opportunity to play together with the Japan national team two years ago. I didn't have their contact information so I couldn't reach out, but I would like to catch up and talk about various things.
Q, was this transfer a decision made with a sense of attachment and gratitude towards Kashima, and with a considerable determination?
First of all, I am very grateful to the people at Kashima who allowed me to become a professional soccer player. However, rather than making a decision with this transfer, I have been making a decision and playing every season, so there is no big change in my feelings there.
I think there are also expectations and pressure from the surroundings.
A, I don't get nervous very often and I have confidence. I have no worries at all.
Q, these two seasons have been plagued by injuries, and a full recovery in Tokyo is eagerly awaited.
A, it is true that I wanted to change the environment. However, although many people say "revival" in that way, I have already returned to my own performance and have the agility of my body, even though I have not played in the 2023 season. I think I was able to show it in practice, but I think I just had few opportunities to play in the game, so honestly, I don't think of it as a "revival". If I can play in the game, I think I can express my play and I want to play as soon as possible.
Q, please tell us about your characteristics and strong points.
A, goals and assists, as well as ideas in front of the goal, are my weapons. I want to be involved in many plays and bring many goals to the team.
Q, I think the main position will be the top under if you continue Tokyo's style this season.
A, I think the top attacking position is a switch for the attack. If the top player can carry the ball well, it will lead to a good attack, but if not, it will stop. However, I have confidence that I can do it. I have no worries and I am looking forward to it now.
Q, do you have any impressions of Tokyo's attacking unit?
When looking at each player, there are fast players on the side, and strikers on the front line, and I think we have a talented team. From the time I played against them at Kashima, I always thought Diego Oliveira was a "striker". Teruhito Nakagawa's speed is a threat, and I think he is a player who can score regardless of left or right. That's why the top player is important. I hope to be able to use the players around me well and score goals or make the final pass.
Q, Do you have any impressions or images of Tokyo's team and home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, I think my first starting lineup in the J1 League as a professional was against Tokyo at Ajinomoto Stadium. I also got an assist in that game, so it's a stadium that holds a good personal image for me. Even now, that impression remains strong.
Q, How do you feel about the U-23 Japan national team with the 2024 Paris Olympics being held?
A, of course I am aware, but in these past two seasons, I haven't been able to play in many games, so right now I am focusing on playing and performing on the pitch rather than thinking about the future. I believe that only by doing that, I will have a chance to be chosen, so I want to concentrate on playing in the games and work hard towards that goal.
Q, it means that you are hungry for game appearances, right?
A, I think that expression is correct.
Q, is that a feeling close to when you turned pro?
A, it may be a little different. The current situation is that I have confidence in my play, but I am not able to play, so it is a different emotion from when I was a rookie. I have a strong desire to make up for the frustration of the past few seasons.
Q, If Araki's hunger for the game and Tokyo's recent hunger for victory and titles can create a chemical reaction, it could be an interesting season.
A, I believe that we can achieve better results if we have the same goal. I am looking forward to playing in front of the fans and supporters wearing the blue and red uniform.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
