Q, how did you find out that you were selected for the Japan national team?
A, before today's practice, Yuto NAGATOMO told me, "Do your best," but at first, I didn't understand what he meant. I thought it might be about the national team selection, but I was unsure. After practice, when the team gathered, General Manager Obara announced it, and that's when I found out.
Q, what did you honestly think?
A, to be honest, I thought it was a matter of whether I could make it into the U-22 Japan national team. I never even considered the Japan national team, so I am still surprised.
Q: Do you have any feelings of excitement about challenging the Japanese national team?
A, I have the opportunity to practice regularly with Nagatomo, who has performed on the World Cup stage. While training together, I thought that the World Cup is a stage for people like him. I’m looking forward to the Japan national team activities because I believe there will be many people like Nagatomo there.
Q, what kind of play do you want to show?
A, I believe I was selected because my play within the team was highly evaluated. Defending is a given, but I want to aggressively push forward in attack, which is my strength.
Q: Did you talk to Nagatomo after hearing about his selection for the Japan national team?
A, "So this is what you meant when you said, 'Do your best,'" I said. At that time, I received very encouraging words from Nagatomo.
Q, what kind of skills do you want to acquire through your activities in the Japanese national team?
A, once you are called up, I think the worst thing is to just go without doing anything. I want to play aggressively while focusing on actively producing results and not becoming passive.
Q, Yuto Nagatomo was also selected for the Japanese national team for the first time at the age of 21. He was selected for the Japanese national team at the same age.
A, During the camp, Nagatomo told me, "I joined the national team at 21, so you have to make it this year." That was the first thing that came to mind when I was told I was selected for the Japan national team.
Q, are you sparkling?
A, I am still surprised now. I’m not very nervous, but since I was called up, I have the mindset of giving it my all.
Q: Did you have a feeling that you would be called up to the Japanese national team this year?
A, rather than a premonition, it was the same with the U-22 Japan national team—I believed that if I consistently delivered results with the team, I would be recognized. First and foremost, I focused on playing for the team.
Q: Was it necessary to start in Tokyo as a prerequisite to being selected for the Japan national team?
A: There is a player in the same position who performed well in last year's World Cup right in front of me. I was playing with the sole focus of taking the position away from that player.
Q: I think you were focused on the Tokyo Olympics when the U-20 World Cup was canceled. How do you feel about the difference between the Japan national team and the Japan U-20 national team?
A: Watching the previous Tokyo Olympics, I saw that the players who performed well there also shone at the Qatar World Cup. Seeing that made me feel the gap is close. U-22 Japan national team coach Oiwa often talks in front of the U-22 players about the concept of "Japan national team via the Paris Olympics." I was conscious that players who participate in the Olympics need to reach that level and played with that mindset.
Q: When you compete against the world, the players you compare yourself to also become world-class players. Please share your thoughts on the global stage.
A: During the same period as the Qatar World Cup, I was involved with the Japan U-21 national team. We played matches against Spain and Portugal, which had a significant impact on me. Using that as a benchmark, I have been working hard, including during the training camps, but I still feel I am not enough. I believe that unless I align my standards with the world, I won’t be able to compete on the global stage like Player Nagatomo. This is something I keep in mind every day.
Q: What did Player Nagatomo say?
A, I'll keep it to myself for now.
Q: Did you watch any footage of when Nagatomo made his debut for the national team and built his position in the team by performing well?
A: I'm not sure if it was footage from when I was first selected for the Japan national team, but I have seen videos of Player Nagatomo's play.
Q, Is there anything you feel when you play as a member of the Japan national team?
A, It would be a waste to be passive. I have nothing to lose, so if I am called, I want to aggressively take my position.
Q: What specific impact did you experience during last year's European tour?
A, Specifically, it was the physical strength and the feeling of playing with the mindset that even if the opponent traps you defensively, it's fine as long as you can break free in a one-on-one situation. Experiencing that changed my own standards.
Q: You give off a calm impression, but this season we hear a lot of strong words like "aggressive". Is this an expression of your thoughts?
A, This season, I see proactiveness as an area I need to work on. I hope to show more and more of that proactive attitude.
Q, do you analyze your personality as "calm"?
A: I think everyone probably sees me as calm. However, there is a part of me that absolutely does not want to lose in certain situations. I want to bring out that side of myself even when playing for the Japan national team.
