Beyond overcoming the wall awaited a new scenery──. On May 23, the Japan Football Association announced the 27 members of the Japan national team who will participate in the June FIFA World Cup 26 Asia final qualifiers. Kota TAWARATSUMIDA's name was on that member list.
Aiming for the grand stage that Naohiro ISHIKAWA, known as an "idol," could not reach, the unrecognized dribbler who had never experienced youth national teams finally wears the national flag. This marks his first call-up to the national team, one year earlier than his admired senior.
"I never thought I would be chosen. Even now, I can't speak properly and the words won't come out. I'm happy, but I don't feel completely satisfied. It has always been my dream since I started playing football, and something I've been chasing. From here, I want to become a member selected for the World Cup."
Since turning professional, he has quietly aimed to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. During his rookie season, I once asked him, "You weren't selected for the age-group national teams, but are you interested in representing the national flag?" In response, Tawara Tsumida changed his expression and firmly said, "Yes, I am." However, he also uttered words like these.
"Rather than worrying about the next stage, I want to focus on my own play, and if I can succeed a few years from now, I think I'll be able to say, 'Back then, I couldn't do what I can do now.' So, I want to concentrate on who I am now."
That hidden feeling did not come to fruition. However, rather than feeling regret, it was transformed into time to face oneself, just as was said earlier.
"There was no time to be down, and I have always thought about what I was lacking. Even now, I have many challenges, but I have faced myself honestly and come this far. I believe that has led to my growth."
The senior members also directed their arrows at themselves in the same way. A sharp memory came back vividly. It was a story from over 15 years ago. May 10, 2010──. On that day, as seven years had passed since his first selection, the South Africa World Cup squad announcement press conference was held, and Naohiro ISHIKAWA sat in front of the TV, intently watching every move and word of Manager Takeshi OKADA as he read out the member list.
The press conference ended, and he let out a long sigh. He was prepared to accept any outcome. The result was rejection──. After achieving a career-high number of goals the previous year, he was featured in newspapers and on television, naturally sparking hopes for a return to the Japan national team. It was the moment he made his first comeback to the national team in five and a half years, and the closest he had ever been to the World Cup. However, he could not become the Japan national team’s "last trump card" amid the strong headwinds.
That night, I also invited Nao's childhood friend and went out for a meal. I kept repeating "Thank you" and "I'll do my best" to the nonstop incoming calls.
The next day at Kodaira Ground, Nao was seen repeatedly sprinting back and forth. Sweat poured from his body like droplets, radiating a "pathetic heat."
Yuto NAGATOMO has participated in four consecutive World Cups since the South Africa tournament, and in the upcoming CONCACAF World Cup next year, he aims to become the first Asian player to appear in five consecutive tournaments. That much shows how much time has passed for both of them. Upon hearing of the first selection of a junior who looks up to him, he found himself calling Nao's mobile phone.
"He has a unique style that stands out from other players. I believe that's why he was selected. I think it was significant that Tawara himself felt that sense of achievement. I understand well the feelings of trial and error. Even when he didn't know what to do, he struggled to break through on his own, and finally began to see the light. There were people watching him as he stood in that light. It's not just about scoring goals; I think this national team selection is a big deal. One success experience will help him grow even more."
Tawaratsumida, in his third year as a professional, cheerfully talked about how he is facing the struggles I had in the middle of my career, saying, "He is experiencing it on a much faster cycle than when I was all messed up." Nao said, "Joining the national team is not the goal. He surely understands that it is just a milestone," and continued like this.
"Surely, the path Tawara aims for is not one that someone else has already walked. I think he will continue to chase his ideals, but that will be an unrelenting pursuit. He is a player who struggles earnestly, and beyond overcoming each challenge in front of him lies the World Cup and opportunities abroad. Those are also just milestones for him. However, Tawara can change the flow of the game with a single play. Maybe he will be called the 'last trump card.' He is smart, unlike me who used to play recklessly. He will carry pressures and expectations he has never felt before and experience things he has never gone through. That too is experience. I like seeing him play freely, but I also like seeing Tawara when he looks frustrated. It must be tough for him personally (laughs)"
Nao is not the only one pushing the junior standing at the entrance to a brightly lit future. Family and coaches involved in their development are likely doing the same. Nao said, "Of course, fans and supporters too," and laughed, "I think they watch each play as if nervously watching their own child."
Tawaratsumida once again did not hold back words of gratitude towards those people.
"I want to be the first to report this to my family, and I couldn't have come this far by my own strength alone. It is thanks to the support of all the staff who have guided me so far. Earlier, I met some staff members at the clubhouse, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to each and every one of them."
It is too dazzling, and even the person themselves probably does not know where this path leads yet. However, relying on the light illuminating their feet, they steadily take one step at a time. There may be times when they hit a wall again along the way.
"I don't think everything was wiped clean just because I was selected for the national team. There were times this season when I struggled like that. It was the same during the process of aiming to become a professional. I faced obstacles many times. It is precisely because of those experiences that I was able to come here. If there hadn't been any walls, I probably wouldn't have become a professional, and I believe those challenges were an important step for my growth."
Both frustrations and joys are all nourishment. For the first time, I am throwing myself into a battle representing my country. "I imagine a tense atmosphere. The opponent is also representing their country, and a match with such tension will definitely be a plus for me." Saying this, determination was evident in his words.
"As a representative of FC Tokyo, I want to show plays that convey to many people how amazing Tokyo's players are."
First, from Tokyo to the Japan national team’s trump card. And beyond that──. Fluid and versatile, the future of the 21-year-old dribbler still stretches endlessly.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
