TOKYOism

A V-shaped recovery from the relegation zone. In the second half of the season, Sei MUROYA, returning from Germany, played in 20 official matches, achieving a record of 10 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses. The team’s atmosphere and fighting spirit clearly changed, and this clearly translated into results—a shared recognition among the Aoaka family. What exactly was he thinking, and what kind of efforts did he make? And what does he believe is necessary for Tokyo to truly become stronger—

To Become a Winning Team 

──It was announced in late May that I would return to Tokyo, and from the Sec. 20 match of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Cerezo Osaka on June 14, I once again donned the blue and red and stepped onto the pitch.
When I came back, the team was in a position fighting to avoid relegation, so my strong feeling was that we had to keep this team in the J1 League first and foremost. I saw that as a major mission for myself and wanted to firmly lift the team up. It was also significant that from the time my transfer was decided until my player registration was completed, I was able to secure a long training period and properly get my condition in shape. What I felt then was, "There are so many high-quality players, so why is this team struggling to avoid relegation?" However, although there are many technically skilled players, there were few who showed emotion during matches, gave instructions, or pressed strongly on the ball. I consciously worked on bringing intensity to the forefront and deliberately making big gestures to change the atmosphere. I thought it was necessary to involve not only the team but also the fans and supporters around us, so especially at first, I focused on that.

──At the press conference when you joined, you said you wanted to "lead by example." It feels like the team’s atmosphere and fighting spirit clearly changed with your addition. Do you also feel a change in response?
I can’t compare because I don’t know what it was like before I joined, but personally, rather than saying I changed things, I think the team really managed to change well as a whole. Including the players who joined in the summer, everyone was able to take on important roles, and everyone accepted it well, so I feel the team built itself up successfully. I feel we became a team that can fight, and I think that was conveyed to the people watching and the fans and supporters through the matches. Of course, it’s not just because of me, but I’m really glad I was able to contribute to the comeback in the second half of the season.

──In terms of comparison, do you feel any differences or changes from your previous self?
That has changed quite a bit. Of course, I have always been the type to show my desire to win on the pitch, but before, I didn’t really pay much attention to the team’s atmosphere or flow. To be honest, I played at my own pace and felt that as long as my performance was good, that was enough. But now that I’m 31, I think I’ve started to see a bit more clearly what needs to be done for the team to win. I’ve also started to encourage players who aren’t on the pitch. Additionally, living in Germany changed my values. I deeply felt through matches and daily life there what the fans and supporters expect from the sport of football and why they come to the stadium. They come to watch the team they support fight. That’s why I wanted to express that aspect here in Tokyo, and that was part of why I came back.

──It seems like the team regained what was important in the second half of the season.
I only know the second half of the season, but I think those who know both the first half, when results didn’t go as expected, and the second half, when the team started to function well, understand best what the difference was. I believe it was truly a difference in the attitude toward fighting for victory. First, we have to face matches based on the way we fought in the second half, which is fundamental, and as a group capable of winning, we must continuously demonstrate the attitude and commitment to winning throughout the match.

──Looking back again on your decision to return to Tokyo at this timing, how do you feel? I think the meaning and value of being able to apply the experience you had in Germany, which you mentioned earlier, is very high.
I am simply happy that various circumstances and timing aligned for me to return to Tokyo, and I am able to play while always feeling the joy of being able to fight for Tokyo. I have always wanted to come back while my body still moves well. Personally, there are still many things I need to work on, but I think I have been able to somewhat demonstrate my fighting spirit toward the team and how I approach practice and matches on a daily basis.

──The adoption of a four-back system from the second half of the season was a major turning point for the team. Looking back at the play on the pitch, I think entrusting Muroya with the left side back position also brought a significant plus to defensive stability.
I want to become a player who loses the ball less often in my position. Playing as a left-back, I focus more on defense and want to keep Yuto NAGATOMO on the right side as high up the pitch as possible, so we often rotate the back line with three players, and I frequently find myself in that role. Also, I don’t want Alexander SCHOLZ and Masato MORISHIGE to be left one-on-one with the opponent in wide spaces. I always think about positioning to prevent that in advance and about being the first defender to step up and stop counters. Ultimately, if the team can win, it’s fine if I don’t stand out as long as I fulfill that role. Right now, I really enjoy playing as a left-back. I want to play soccer for as long as possible, and in that sense, having the option to play on the left side as well is a plus for the remainder of my career.

──In the second half of the season, the defense clearly stabilized, goals conceded decreased, and we were able to achieve results based on a solid defense.
Over the course of six months, I really felt that we became able to take flexible positions against opponents and adopt a more adaptable style of play. Since I am fundamentally a defender, it was good that we had more clean sheets (matches without conceding goals) in terms of defense, and we developed the ability to secure one-goal difference games, gaining the feeling and confidence that having one goal was enough to win. As a team, we also developed the mentality to stay composed and fight even when goals were not coming. Ideally, I would like to improve the quality of our attack more, but I also believe that the entire team, including the forwards, truly supported the team by working hard defensively. However, regarding the attacking aspect, it is an area the team must improve as we head into the 2026 season.

──While we succeeded in making a comeback, the Emperor's Cup ended in a frustrating result with a loss to FC Machida Zelvia in the Semifinal Round.
Of course, winning a title is not easy, and we were conscious of our approach, play, and conduct to win. However, Machida, whom we faced in the Semifinal Round, really fought desperately, aiming for the goal with the determination to somehow score one point, even if it meant getting dirty. And they snatched it away. Tokyo must also have that kind of foundation, and on top of that foundation, the coach’s style is added. Of course, I think we fought well, and I believe it wouldn’t have been strange if Tokyo had won. But still, we must seize matches like that, and I felt we need to become a team that wins before we even realize it.

──Finally, what is necessary to truly attain strength?
It was a half-season in which I felt I wanted to take more responsibility in playing to make Tokyo a club that can always compete for titles. I believe I am always expressing myself on the pitch, and I consciously push myself to play with my emotions upfront, but I want to involve the team even more effectively. After the final matchday, when Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI gave his greeting, there were boos, but in reality, we players should be the ones most criticized. Rikizo-san took that on our behalf. I took those voices seriously and felt that we need to direct the arrows more towards ourselves. Of course, everyone is fighting. However, in a true sense, we need to demand more from each other and reexamine what we can do to win. This applies not only to the players but also to the staff, the organization, and the company. I believe everyone is making efforts, but to truly become a winning group, including myself, we all need to think more deeply and act accordingly.

Text by Tomoo Aoyama (Freelance Writer)