1/22 DAY OFF
The 11th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp was the first day off of this camp. Each player spent their holiday as they pleased, recharging their energy.
Training will resume at Kaigin Field Kunigami from tomorrow, the 23rd. In the remaining half of the camp, preparations and the identification of issues that are more focused on actual combat should increase.
In addition, coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI refers to all the players as "bundles of potential" and expresses a desire to see surprises and excitement in the game.
Of course, there is a competition for the starting lineup, but there is also a sense that fierce competition will continue throughout the season. This season, all players in blue and red are assets and will fight together. The message from the new coach should have reached the players as well.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the 11th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, a photo was chosen capturing Keigo HIGASHI, Yasuki KIMOTO, Koki TSUKAGAWA, and Keita YAMASHITA enjoying a moment of rest. They visited Kouri Island, an island accessible by bridge located in Nakijin Village in northern Okinawa. They took a picture in front of the heart-shaped rock at Tiinu Beach, located on the northern side of the island, which attracts couples from all over the country. They were healed by the emerald green sea of Okinawa and will sweat again in hard training starting from the 23rd.
"We asked the players about their thoughts on XX"
In the second installment of the project "Ask the Player" where we pose questions gathered from 2025 SOCIO･OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP members to the players, Yuto NAGATOMO makes an appearance. The voice of this iron man, aiming to be the first Japanese player to participate in five consecutive World Cups, resonates in the skies of Okinawa this season as well. In line with the number 5 pose representing his jersey number and consecutive appearance record established during this camp, we asked Yuto about five intriguing questions.
*Some of the questions we received may have been edited for clarity. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: Who is the player to watch for Yuto NAGATOMO in Tokyo this season? (Handle name: Ikuto)
A: It is Marcelo RYAN. He was the only player who felt like he was on a different level when we faced Sagan Tosu last season. I am very excited to have such a player join us in Tokyo and play together.
Q: You scored goals last season as well, but will you actively aim to score this season? (Handle name: Ma-chan)
A: Of course. Scoring is special, so I want to aim for more this season without being satisfied with the 2 goals from last season.
Q: You have been wearing the number 5 jersey, but do you have any feelings associated with the number 5? (Handle name: Minachin)
A: Rather than specific feelings, it is a number I have worn since my rookie days, and by continuing to wear it, it has become established within me and turned into a lucky number. This season, I wear the number 5 jersey with the intention of participating in the World Cup for the fifth consecutive time.
Q, what can be done to achieve the physical and mental attributes of Yuto NAGATOMO? (Handle name: Bravo!!! Blue-Red Spirit!!!)
A, I believe it is to practice more than anyone else. By doing that, the body becomes stronger, and by doing what needs to be done, the mind also becomes stronger.
Q: What kind of season do you want to have? (Handle name: Naosuke)
A: I want to win a title in Tokyo. That is my top priority. To achieve that, I want to actively contribute to the team. Additionally, there are activities for the Japan national team leading up to the World Cup, so I believe there will be opportunities to showcase my skills before the tournament, and I will approach it in the best condition possible.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
