FC Tokyo enters the new season with a clear goal of "winning the championship." The key to the style that Coach Rikizo Matsuhashi aims for—dominating both offense and defense—is the defensive midfielder position, which serves as the team's heart. This time, we present a dialogue between Kouta Tokiwa, who rapidly increased his playing opportunities in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, and Takahiro Ko, who vows to make a comeback after struggling with injuries for half a year. In the latter part, they discuss the new players for the 2026/27 season and their thoughts.
The first part of the dialogue is here
── Following the team discussion, could you please introduce the new players? Let’s start with Shuto Nagano.
Tokiwa The first time I saw him play up close, I felt he had good size and was strong in one-on-one situations. He has strengths and characteristics in defense, and on top of that, he’s skillful with the ball at his feet. I thought he’s a great player who can do anything.
Taka I remember that we both came on as substitutes in the Emperor's Cup match against Veertien Mie when he was with FC Tokyo U-18. After being promoted to the top team, he was loaned out on development-type contracts to two clubs, Gainare Tottori and Fujieda MYFC, where he played many matches and gained solid experience. Getting game time is really important, and since I’ve gone through that myself, I understand how the mindset and that experience can influence a player. I’m looking forward to playing alongside him.
──What about Hirotaka Ishihara?
Taka I've known Hirotaka since elementary school. We played together continuously at the Kanagawa Prefecture training center. Back then, he was a goalkeeper, and I was a forward (laughs). His face and size haven't changed at all since then. He is the same age as Mitsuki Saito (currently with Kyoto Sanga F.C.), and I remember that by the time we entered junior high, he had become a fullback at Shonan Bellmare. Because I had a strong image of him as a goalkeeper, I was surprised by the quality of his crosses when we ended up on the same team. However, I never imagined we would be on the same professional team.
Tokiwa He had the image of being a "passionate guy" at Urawa Reds, didn’t he?
Taka He definitely clashes fiercely with the opposing players.
Tokiwa So at first, I was observing him from a bit of a distance wondering, "What kind of person is he normally?" (laughs). For now, he’s being teased a lot, so my impression has completely changed 180 degrees. But I wonder if he gets fired up during matches. There’s a gap in my image of him right now.
Taka There’s no one who gets that fired up all the time (laughs).
Tokiwa But I was surprised to see that the person shouting while stopping young dribblers in highlight clips is actually like that (laughs).
── Next, how about Shion Honma?
Taka I never thought I’d be on the same team with Shion again... He hasn’t changed at all. He still feels like a middle schooler, just the same as before (laughs). Over the past few seasons, he’s experienced challenges abroad and loan transfers, and I believe he joined with the strong desire to definitely achieve results here in Tokyo. That determination comes through even in everyday training. Anyway, playing alongside him brings back nostalgic feelings.
Tokiwа I thought he was a type of side half that Tokyo has never had before. Although he is a wide player, he cuts inside, receives the ball between the lines, turns, and always plays while being involved with the ball. He’s really skillful, so I think he will bring a fresh breeze to Tokyo.
──And also, please tell us about Nikolai Varis, who joined midway through the camp.
Taka He’s huge. Tall, skilled, and on top of that, a really great guy. Plus, he’s amazing at table tennis. Probably the best in Tokyo. When we played table tennis at the dorm, he was incredibly good and even won the final against (Alexander) Scholz. By the way, I was made the referee for that match (laughs).
Tokiwа He’s also good at soccer. His ball touch is really soft.
Taka That’s right. Rather than being a speed type, I think he’s a player who’s good at building relationships with those around him.
Tokiwa The playstyle is quite simple, giving the impression of a position one step ahead of Samuel Gustafson (Urawa Reds). That vibe also comes through from his size and choice of play.
──Do you think he will become someone who can fill the gap left by Ryunosuke Sato?
Taka Ryu (Ryunosuke Sato) is also an excellent player, so I think it's not quite right to compare them. However, I believe he is a player who will bring a different kind of value and add something extra to the team.
Tokiwа Ryu was a superstar, so honestly, the gap left by him is big and painful. However, on the other hand, I have a feeling that various new combinations will emerge. Up front, we have Marcelo (Hian), and Mikiki Nagakura is originally a player who excels as an attacking midfielder, while Fuuki Yamada is also being tested in the center. Then there’s Teru (Teruhito Nakagawa), and with Nico joining, I feel the variety in the forward line will increase significantly. I sense that this won’t be a replacement for Ryu, but rather a new Tokyo with completely different characteristics.
──If FC Tokyo wins the league for the first time, the stage and the scenery we see will surely change. Please share your passionate thoughts for the new season, including what you want to achieve personally this season.
Taka I took some time to reflect on myself during this off-season. I had quite a few injuries over the past six months, so first and foremost, I focused on working towards becoming a player with longevity and faced myself honestly. In the defensive midfield position, there are truly excellent competitors like Kyota, (Kento) Hashimoto, and Shuto, so I want to learn everything I can from all of them and use that to fuel my own growth. To properly raise my own value again, I have to overcome them. While elevating my own worth, I still want to aim higher. There was also the FIFA World Cup 2026, and recently I had the chance to meet Ao Tanaka (currently at Leeds United FC), who was a classmate at the Kawasaki Frontale academy, and he gave me great inspiration. I want to aim for that kind of stage again and keep pushing forward. As a team, our goal is league victory, but I truly want to cherish each day as it comes and give my all in every training session. I want to face myself, win the daily competition, and on top of that, I believe I must dedicate myself fully to every single match.
Tokiwа Tokyo has a good lineup of defensive midfielders, but if we think about reaching the next level, we cannot afford to lose to them. Ideally, I want to start and play full-time in all 38 matches. I don’t want it to be just talk; I truly want to have the determination and preparation to accomplish that. As I often say, I am just a player who has appeared in only half a season. I haven’t achieved anything yet, and there is still a long way to go. Personally, I am really looking forward to seeing if I can compete throughout the entire J1 League season. First, I want to stay grounded, keep my feet firmly on the ground, and challenge myself to be fully active in this new season.
──Finally, please share a message for the fans and supporters.
Tokiwа We have set the goal of winning the league, but we want to achieve it not only with the players and staff but with everyone involved in this club, including the fans and supporters. I believe that by joining hands, respecting each other, and seeking the best together, the league championship will come into view. We promise to play with all our might and deliver victories to those who always support us, so we would be happy if you fight alongside us.
Takahiro We receive energy from the atmosphere and support that empower the players in every match, so I believe it is our role to respond to that. If there is anything we can give back to everyone, it can only be in the form of winning the league title, and I want to achieve that. It will be a long season, and many things will happen. I want to face forward and keep fighting while overcoming those challenges together. Please continue to support us in the new season as well.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
