Q: What was the reason for joining FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi from ARTE Hachioji FC Junior?
A: I was approached by Tokyo and other clubs as well. I was unsure which to choose, but since I had a senior I knew at Musashi and they belonged to the Kanto League, I wanted to join a higher-level team, so I decided on Tokyo.
Q: Were you also a side player in junior high school? Also, what kind of things did you focus on in practice and games when you were a junior high school student?
A: I played as a side and forward. During junior high school, I gave 100 percent in every practice while consciously working to be able to participate in matches for the grade above me.
Q: Was there a specific moment or period of time when you felt that you had changed?
A: When I was in the second year of junior high school, I was coached by Yukihiko SATO. At that time, he taught me how to initiate dribbling and allowed me to play freely. I believe that being able to play freely back then is the foundation of who I am now. In my third year of junior high, I was coached by Makoto KITA. There was a period when I was troubled about my soccer career path, but we spent a lot of time talking, and he was always there to support me. I believe the words from Coach KITA at that time greatly changed my life.
Q: Did you consciously work on your dribbling skills from that time? Were you fast on your feet back then?
A: I have been consciously working on improving my dribbling since junior high school. The way I dribbled back then was different from now; I used feints to get past opponents. From junior high to high school, I created my own training menus and incorporated areas I was lacking into my self-practice while also learning from coaches. Gradually, my speed and physical strength improved, and I became able to get past opponents by reading their timing without using feints. Gaining confidence led to the change into my current style.
Q: How did you feel when you were promoted to FC Tokyo U-18?
A: From my second to third year in junior high school, there was a period of about six months when I couldn't play soccer due to injury. I think the possibility of promotion was on a borderline even among my peers in the same grade.
Q: What year did you start playing in matches when you were a member of U-18?
A: From my first year of high school, I often trained with the A team. I was also somewhat involved in the Premier League. From that time, I was confident that my dribbling would be effective. The seniors were incredibly skilled during practice, and I was always able to train at a high level. Thanks to that, in official matches, I felt that the level during practice with the seniors was even higher, so I was able to play with a calm mind during games.
Q: Where did you set your goals during your three years in high school?
A: I worked every day aiming for promotion to the top team. I would go to the field an hour before practice every day and practiced crosses with my left foot and shots from cut-ins, which were my challenges. Naoki KUMATA practiced crosses together with me.
Q: Were there any situations where other youth members were participating in the top team? What were your feelings?
A: I have the feeling that I want to surpass them someday. I have a strong desire not to lose to my peers. I think the players who joined at the same time as me are rivals, but also members who can mutually improve each other.
Q: How did you feel when you were promoted to the top team?
A: I was really happy, but I felt that I couldn't be satisfied just by becoming a professional. I was only standing at the starting line, and I had the feeling that I had to work hard from here on.
Q: Do you have any players you look up to or anything you particularly focus on during individual training?
A: I don't have any players I particularly look up to. I play in my own original style. In my individual training, I focus on shooting practice because I lack finishing ability and have missed shots in matches, and I also consciously continue practicing crosses, just as I have since high school.
Q: What does Coach Albert Puig Ortoneda expect from you?
A: I believe what is expected of me are goals and assists. I am often told to play boldly and with courage.
Q: What kind of play do you think about when you receive the ball during a match?
A: In a one-on-one situation, I first try to take on the opponent. When there are two defenders or depending on the situation, I may change my decision, but basically, I go at it myself. Once I face the opposing defense once, I can somewhat get a feel for it. Based on that, I also change the dribbling course, speed, and timing. When I'm taking on the defender, it's hard to put into words, but there are moments when I feel like I can get through. Sometimes I get stopped while dribbling, and sometimes I feel uneasy about the next attempt, but for me, failure is natural, so I switch my mindset and play with the attitude of "It's fine as long as I get past the opponent next time."
Q: Are there any moments during playing that you find enjoyable or feel a sense of accomplishment?
A: I think everyone feels a sense of accomplishment and happiness when they score a goal or make an assist. Of course, I feel the same way, but the moment I enjoy soccer the most is when I dribble past an opponent.
Q: Are there any players you dislike facing?
A: It’s Hotaka NAKAMURA. Even in practice, I often manage to get past him when dribbling, but after I do, NAKAMURA sticks very persistently to his defense. I think his defending is really excellent.
Q: "Influential football players, the player who had the most impact in past matches" mentioned Keisuke Honda as the answer. What kind of presence is Honda for player Tawaratsumida?
A: I chose him because he left the strongest impression on me when I watched the Brazil World Cup, and his presence was incredible. Although our styles are completely different, I want to project that kind of presence on the pitch myself.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Japan national team and the 2024 Paris Olympics?
A: I hardly have any awareness of the national team. My strongest desire is to first succeed with my club. That's the only thing I think about. If I work hard in Tokyo, get playing time, and perform well, I believe I will naturally be selected for the Japan national team.
Q: Do you focus on training your physical abilities after practice, considering it as a recent concern?
A: I believe that if I can improve my physical abilities, I can aim even higher. I often lose my body balance when an opponent bumps into me, so I am focusing on that area. Rather than increasing muscle mass, I am working on strengthening my core to stabilize my axis firmly.
Q: I think you have been watching games at Ajinomoto Stadium since your academy days. What did you think when you stood on the pitch yourself?
A: Until now, I had always been on the side watching from the stands, so becoming someone who is watched was really exciting. My family also comes to watch the games, so I hope to repay them. Hearing the cheers from many fans and supporters gave me strength. When I first stood on the pitch at Ajinomoto Stadium, I was definitely nervous, but there was a part of me that felt my dribbling was effective. However, I haven’t produced any results yet, so I want to get involved in scoring goals and assists.
Q: What kind of year do you want the 2023 season to be? Please tell us the team's goals and individual goals.
A: The team's goal is to win the league championship. My personal goal is to be involved in matches and perform well from my first year, like Matsuki did last season.
Q: Finally, do you have a message for the fans and supporters?
A: The cheers from the fans and supporters during the matches give me a tremendous amount of strength. Sometimes I feel anxious when I am about to play, but hearing the cheers becomes a source of energy and gives me courage. I will do my best to meet your expectations, so please continue to support me.
