Wearing the number 10 jersey, which can be said to be the symbol of Kashima Antlers, Ryotaro ARAKI, who won the J.League Best Young Player Award in his second professional season, will don the blue and red uniform from the 2024 season. In the past few seasons, ARAKI has struggled with injuries and limited playing time, but instead of a comeback, he has vowed to continue evolving.
Q, Please tell us how you felt when you received an offer from Tokyo.
A, I wanted to play a style of soccer that focuses on connecting passes, and I felt that Tokyo's current style suits me well. I was greatly attracted to their style. Also, when I spoke with the club, they passionately expressed their desire for me to "fight together" with them. Their style matched the kind of soccer I seek, so I decided to play for Tokyo.
Q, Did you consult anyone regarding this transfer?
A, I consulted with Kei KOIZUMI, who was my teammate at Kashima Antlers. KOIZUMI told me, "It's definitely a team that suits you, Taro," and that was also a reference for me when deciding to join. Also, since there are several acquaintances from the Paris Olympics generation, such as Kashif BANGNAGANDE and Kuryu MATSUKI, already at Tokyo, I’m not too worried about whether I can fit into the team.
Q, your nickname is 'Taro,' right?
A, It’s a nickname I’ve been called since junior high, and I really like it. Until junior high, I was called 'Ryo,' but since there was another 'Ryo' on the same team in junior high, I became 'Taro' (laughs). I hope everyone in Tokyo will call me 'Taro' as well.
Q, there is also Yuto NAGATOMO, a senior from Toho High School.
A, I had the opportunity to play together with the Japan national team two years ago. I didn’t know his contact information, so I couldn’t get in touch, but I would like to talk with him again and hear various things.
Q, this transfer was a decision made despite your attachment and gratitude to Kashima, so you must have had considerable resolve, right?
A, first of all, I am very grateful to the people at Kashima who made me a professional soccer player. However, rather than deciding to be resolute because of this transfer, I have made up my mind and played with determination every season, so there is no significant change in that feeling.
Q, I think there are also expectations and pressure from those around you.
A, I rarely get nervous and I am confident. I have no anxiety at all.
Q, these two seasons have been plagued by injuries, and a full recovery in Tokyo is eagerly awaited.
A, it is true that I wanted to change my environment. However, many people call it a "comeback," but the truth is that I simply haven't been able to play in matches during the 2023 season. My performance has already returned, and my physical sharpness is there as well. I believe I have demonstrated this in training, but I think the only reason is that I had few opportunities to play in matches. So honestly, I don't consider it a "comeback." I believe that once I get on the field, I can express my play, and I want to play as soon as possible.
Q, please tell us about your characteristics and strong points.
A, my strengths are goals, assists, and ideas in front of the goal. I want to be involved in many plays and bring many goals to the team.
Q, I think the main position will be the top under if you continue Tokyo's style this season.
A, I believe the attacking midfielder position is the switch for the attack. If the player in that position can skillfully carry the ball, it leads to good attacks, but if not, the play tends to stop. However, I am confident I can do it. I have no worries and am looking forward to it.
Q, do you have any impressions of Tokyo's attacking unit?
A, looking at each player, there are fast players on the sides and strikers up front, so I think the team has a full lineup of talent. Since the time I faced them during my Kashima days, I have often thought that Diego OLIVEIRA is truly a striker. Teruhito NAKAGAWA’s speed is a threat, and I believe he is a highly capable player who can score regardless of the side. That is why the player in the top under position is important. I hope to make good use of those around me, scoring goals and providing the final pass.
Q, Do you have any impressions or images of Tokyo's team and home stadium, Ajinomoto Stadium?
A, I believe my first start in the J1 League as a professional was in a match against Tokyo at Ajinomoto Stadium. I also provided an assist in that game, so personally, I have a good image of the stadium. That impression still remains strong to this day.
Q, How do you feel about the U-23 Japan national team with the 2024 Paris Olympics being held?
A, of course I am aware of it, but I haven't been able to play much in the past two seasons, so right now I am focusing more on getting on the pitch and performing well rather than thinking too far ahead. I believe that only after I can do that will I be considered for selection, so I want to concentrate on getting game time above all else.
Q, it means that you are hungry for game appearances, right?
A, I think that expression is accurate.
Q, is that a feeling close to when you turned pro?
A, It might be a little different. Right now, I am confident in my play but not getting game time, so the feelings are different from when I was a rookie. I have a strong desire to overcome the frustrations of the past few seasons.
Q, If Araki's hunger for the game and Tokyo's recent hunger for victory and titles can create a chemical reaction, it could be an interesting season.
A, I believe that if we share the same goals, we can achieve even better results. I am looking forward to wearing the blue and red uniform and playing in front of the fans and supporters.
Text by Daisuke Suga (El Golazo, FC Tokyo Correspondent)
