Continuation of the love story between Akaaka and Akaaka
Towards his best season with physical transformationFW 11 Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players, who are facing the opening, thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with? The stories of the players who have love for the club, thirst for the title, desire for success, and the roles they must fulfill - Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA, who received an offer from Tokyo even when he graduated from university, has now joined the blue-red army. He has been plagued by injuries despite having great potential, but he has started to work on physical transformation with his transfer to a new team, aiming to make the 2024 season his best season yet.
My feelings for the striker I longed for have come true. Is it because I am not popular with women, or is it just my nature to hope for a happy ending in this type of story? However, the situation is a bit complicated, just like a love affair.
In the spring of 2020, during his fourth year at Meiji University, Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA participated in training camps for three clubs he had spent his academy days with: Omiya Ardija, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and FC Tokyo. After careful consideration, he ultimately sought a stage for his success in the northern land.
After turning professional, he has shown impressive performances on the pitch, but he has also been plagued by muscle injuries. Despite spending days of incomplete combustion, he ended up with 22 appearances and 6 goals in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League last season.
"I have truly been troubled by injuries. I never thought there would be such a long period of time where I couldn't play soccer. I think I was able to absorb and grow from various things in Sapporo, but there were certainly parts that were far from ideal."
And now, in the off-season, I have decided to transfer in order to make a full comeback. The club I have chosen as my new home is the blue and red club that I did not shake hands with at that time. Since then, they have highly valued my talent and have continuously sent me passionate love calls, saying "I want to chase our dreams together." Finally, their love call has come true. The club has launched a revival plan and promised support from both medical and physical aspects. They have prepared and welcomed me into their system.
The new season started with a focus on carefully balancing the body to prevent injuries. After the initial start, adjustments were made with a separate menu, and there was a period of patience. The player himself said, "I've always wanted to join team practice. There was no pain or issues with my body, and I was physically able to play soccer, so there was a frustrating aspect." Despite this, he closely collaborated with the staff and faced his own body.
"I have been patient and cautious up until now, so it would be great if I could join the team with a well-balanced body."
Gradually joining the team and finally participating in interpersonal training two weeks before the opening. "Finally able to join. I still think my condition for playing soccer is not good enough. I need to improve a little more. This is my fourth year as a professional, but I want to make this the best season so far."
Remove the anxiety of being troubled by injuries and challenge for the best season of his career. If there are no obstacles, his goal is the Japan national team, and the path should lead to the world. The continuation of Tokyo and Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA's dream begins here.
text by Tadashi BABA (freelance writer)
