FOCUS ON - This Week's Highlight
As the season of departure arrives, the graduation event for the FC Tokyo Soccer School Advanced Class was held at Kodaira Ground on this day. After practice, the players took turns to come out and offered words of congratulations to the children who will be entering junior high school this spring. Among them was Soma ANZAI, who graduated from Waseda University this spring.
"I also played in the Advanced Class, but my time here will never be wasted. Some will advance to the academy, and I think everyone has their own path. I also played in the academy in Tokyo, but after being away for high school and university, I am now back playing in Tokyo. Not being promoted doesn't mean that your future is decided. It's important to cherish the present, and that will definitely not be a waste for the future. Whether it's in duels or running, always give your best and keep playing hard."
Anzai wore the number 10 for FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa, but went on to Aomori Yamada High School. After that, he advanced to Waseda University and joined the professional ranks a year earlier than last season. He spoke about the path he has taken, and the children listened to his words with great seriousness.
Congratulations on your graduation, everyone.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
"We asked the players about their thoughts on XX"
A project called "Ask the Players: Questions from 2025 SOCIO OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP" where we pose questions gathered from members to the players.
This time's "What I'm Curious About" features Soma ANZAI, who will wear the number 7 jersey and play this season. We asked this hard worker, full of blue and red spirit, some questions about what we're curious about.
*Some of the questions we received may have been edited for clarity. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: What is your favorite food? Is there any food you are currently into? (Handle name: Anonymous)
A: I don't have a specific favorite, but I generally love Japanese cuisine. It's just too delicious. I also enjoy eating in that traditional Japanese atmosphere, and the dishes are tasty. I had Japanese food for dinner yesterday as well. The clay pot rice was the best.
Q: When I participated in the interaction the other day, it had a very nice scent. What perfume are you using? (Handle name: Tokyo supporter living in Saitama.S)
A: I have several perfumes, but I have one that is my absolute favorite, and I almost only use that one. It is OFF-WHITE™'s SOLUTION No.7. This is not because my jersey number is 7, but because I liked the scent since last season. My jersey number became 7 this season, but it is my current favorite perfume.
Q: You have a strong physical impression, but please tell us about the training you usually focus on. (Handle name: Kyoko)
A: I am not necessarily strong. I can run, but in terms of impact strength and pure power, (Sato) Eiin is stronger. I do have good jumping ability, but it all comes down to mindset. For running, I incorporate low-oxygen training once a week. That is an essential training for me. It's not a fixed menu; I adjust the program according to my fatigue level. I do heart rate training to enhance lung function, and when there are no matches, I incorporate lactic acid training to become stronger. I am refining my running by combining various training menus.
Q: This season, I am wearing the number 7 jersey that Kuryu MATSUKI wore. Which match holds memories of Kuryu for you? (Handle name: yasuhito/17)
A: A memorable match... what could it be? Is it okay to mention two matches? The first match was during my third year of high school in the first round of the National High School Soccer Championship against Hiroshima Minami High School. The opponent set up a six-back defense from the kickoff and marked both Kuryu and me almost man-to-man. We struggled to score and ended the first half without a goal. During halftime, Coach Kuroda (currently the coach of FC Machida Zelvia) gave a strong pep talk directed at Kuryu and me, not the team as a whole. He was quite strict with us. However, about five minutes into the second half, Kuryu scored the opening goal, and shortly after, I added another goal, and we won 2-0. Personally, that match remains memorable for me. The other match was last season against Urawa Reds at Japan National Stadium. It was the first time Kuryu and I played as professional players in the Urawa match. I ran for the full 90 minutes, and Kuryu scored a goal. It was a deeply moving experience to savor victory on the same pitch.
Q: Is there a player you absolutely do not want to lose to in Tokyo? (Handle name: Oba Support)
A: The player I really don’t want to lose to in Tokyo right now would be Kosuke SHIRAI. But we are really good friends. It all started when we shared a room during the Okinawa camp when he was a JFA/J.League specially designated player. That was the beginning, and we became close, and now our lockers are next to each other at the training ground. Last season, I played as a winger, and Kosuke played as a full-back, so we had many opportunities to work together in a vertical relationship, and I think we created a good complementary relationship there. For example, I often competed for goal kicks and ran back to cover defensively. In return, I don’t have explosive breakthrough power, so Kosuke helped me by overlapping in those situations. I believe we built a good relationship by helping each other with our play. Naturally, our conversations have increased, and we have had more opportunities to go out for meals together. This season, we shared a room again at the Okinawa camp for the second consecutive year, and during our time off, we even went to a remote island together. Well, it was a bit sad that Kosuke came to the team in the summer of the 2023 season and didn’t have many acquaintances or friends to fit in with, so I’m just keeping him company (laughs).
◇Soma ANZAI Profile
Date of Birth: September 29, 2002
Place of Origin: Meguro, Tokyo
Height/Weight: 175cm/68kg
How I spend my days off: Cafe, Sauna
What I always do before a match: Enter the pitch with my left foot
Tell us an unexpected side of your teammate: Teppei OKA is a bit lonely
Player profile is here
