With the honor of the J2 League Best Eleven, guided by a twist of fate to blue and red GK 1 Hayate TANAKA
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Hayate TANAKA, who was selected for the J2 League Best Eleven last season, has made a determined transfer from Tokushima Vortis. The person he reveres as his “mentor” is Yoichi DOI, who once established an era as the guardian of FC Tokyo. Guided by a twist of fate, TANAKA, entrusted with the same number 1 jersey as his mentor, looks ahead to the future in blue and red.
Guided by a fate too extraordinary to be described simply as a step up from Tokushima Vortis, Hayate TANAKA donned the blue and red uniform.
"For me, everything comes from that person's teachings. He taught me from scratch what it means to be a goalkeeper and how to be a person. That person is a legend of FC Tokyo. I want to work hard to perform well at this club and live up to that name."
The “that person” Tanaka refers to is Yoichi DOI, a member of the Japan national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany and the “Iron Man” who appeared in a total of 230 J1 League matches for FC Tokyo. He received guidance from DOI, who was the goalkeeper coach in the youth development department since Tanaka’s junior days at Tokyo Verdy, and still regards him as his mentor. He has inherited the soul of the “Tokyo Verdy legend,” including the mindset as a goalkeeper, playing style, relentless pursuit of victory, and the essential qualities of a guardian, and has grown significantly.
Tanaka, entrusted with the blue and red 'number 1' jersey that Doi wore continuously for seven seasons starting from the 2001 season, wears a fearless smile as if enjoying the immense pressure. The greater the pressure and tension become, and the bigger the stage gets, the more his confidence grows, allowing him to consistently demonstrate the skills he has cultivated.
"I have had mental strength since my junior days, so I never become negative. I am confident in my ability to perform. I have always had a sense of being able to take advantage when other players become negative, so I can only look forward to playing matches on the bigger stage of the J1 League."
Even situations that might intimidate those around him are nothing but prime opportunities for Tanaka. His strong-heartedness can truly be said to be "inherited from Doi."
Last season, he was one of only three players in the J2 League to play every minute of all 38 matches. He conceded the fewest goals in the league, with just 24, and ranked first in both total clean sheets and goalkeeper save percentage. He was unquestionably selected for the J2 League Best Eleven. In addition to his overwhelming shot-stopping ability, he also possesses build-up skills that allow him to be involved in attacks from the back, which he considers one of his strengths. This style aligns perfectly with the approach advocated by head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI.
He has no intention of backing down in the regular lineup battle against Kim Seung-gyu of the South Korea national team, Masataka KOBAYASHI of the U-23 Japan national team, and Wataru GOTO of the U-20 Japan national team. "I am really looking forward to the matches. I truly have a strong desire to contribute to this club’s title victory," says Tanaka.
There is no hesitation. The 'Number 1' is full of confidence, brimming with hope, and his heart beats louder than anyone else's.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Yuji Matsuoka (Chunichi Sports)
