Setting a great striker as his goal, the young point-getter from the academy has been promoted to the top team. Taiyo YAMAGUCHI, who says, "I want to become someone relied upon like Diego TABA," aims not only for his own growth as a player but also for the club’s dream of winning the league. His greatest weapon is his outstanding scoring sense. Overcoming injury, he is about to start a major challenge—his mindset and the future vision he holds close to his heart.
──At FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, I won the Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-15) tournament in my third year of junior high school.
I had never participated in a national tournament since elementary school, so winning the national championship in the last summer of junior high was truly incredibly joyful for me. Even back then, I had the desire to eventually be promoted to the top team.
──You mentioned that you were conscious of being promoted to the top team from U-15 Musashi, but how did you envision your future when you were promoted to U-18?
First, I aimed to immediately participate in the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League and get involved in national team activities. In my first year of high school, I struggled to make the Premier League squad, but in my second year, I was able to play in matches, and from there, I felt I got on track. For me, the year as a second-year high school student, when I scored 10 goals in the Premier League and also achieved results with the U-17 Japan national team, gave me confidence.
──And then, the official promotion to the top team was decided.
As a third-year student, I got injured right away, and for a while, I honestly felt anxious, wondering what would happen. But I was promoted because what I had built up until then was recognized, and I was genuinely happy about that.
──What did you gain from your activities with the Japan national team at various age levels?
In the national team, the players around me are quite skilled, and the variety of movements after receiving a pass increases. I myself can do more things, and since overseas players are physically superior, strong, and fast, it has truly been a valuable experience to see how far I can compete against them.
──You will be stepping into the professional world immediately after graduating from high school. How do you feel about that now?
I have always had the desire to succeed professionally immediately after graduating from high school. Now that I have been promoted to the top team, I have been given the chance to take on the challenge I wished for, so I just want to give it my all.
──You have already participated in top-level practice matches; what kind of impact has that had on you?
I was really happy to be able to play alongside players like Diego, whom I have watched since I was little. The intensity and speed are completely different from the U-18 level, so I get tired in ways I haven't experienced before, but in those aspects, I feel that my level is improving.
──In the J.League YBC Levain Cup, Divine OTANI, a junior from the U-18 team, scored a goal. How did you honestly feel about that?
At that time, I was injured and could only watch the matches, so above all, I just wanted to get on the field as soon as possible. Since he plays the same position as me, I felt some frustration, but even more than that, my desire to stand on that stage quickly grew stronger.
──What aspects of the top team do you find helpful as a reference?
Since my U-15 Musashi days, I have always watched Diego, so being able to see him up close has been a great learning experience. His movements in front of the goal, including his shooting, are on a completely different level. It was very instructive. Also, I think Diego inspires a lot of trust. It's like, "He will definitely score." I believe that to earn that kind of trust from those around me, I have no choice but to keep delivering results.
──What are Yamaguchi's strengths?
I believe my strength lies in scoring goals in front of the net. In addition to shooting, I am also good at hold-up play and creating space up front. Regarding my sense of scoring, I have developed it by continuously playing in sync with my teammates and anticipating where the ball will drop.
──The top team will start training from January 2025, and the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League will kick off in February. What kind of preparation do you have in mind?
Working backward from the goal of playing in matches right away, I believe I have no choice but to make an impression during the January camp. As a forward, I must deliver results in the form of goals. My goal for next season is to first aim to get playing time, then score as quickly as possible, and be recognized as a forward who can help the team win.
──Do you have a strong desire to perform well at Ajinomoto Stadium?
I have received passionate support since my academy days, but at Ajinomoto Stadium, even more people can watch, so it really feels like a dream. I want to score goals in front of many fans and supporters and celebrate together with everyone.
──Do you have any numerical goals?
I don't have specific numbers in mind, but I want to score as many goals as possible, as quickly as possible.
──There are many rivals. How do you plan to compete as a rookie?
I think people still don’t know my style of play or strengths, so I have to be more proactive than the other players around me to make them understand. I believe that unless I do more than the players who are already at the top, I won’t be able to showcase myself.
──Is there a player you are particularly determined not to lose to?
There are players of the same age who have already gone overseas, as well as players domestically, such as Tokuda from Kashima Antlers, who scored the J1 Monthly Best Goal for a J.League top team. First, I want to catch up to them.
──If you were to name a player you want to face in the J.League.
It is Takai from Kawasaki Frontale. He has also made his debut for the Japan national team and won the Best Young Player award at this season's J.League Awards, so I want to face him, surpass him, and win.
──Which players do you look up to, including those overseas?
It is Karim Benzema. He can perform solidly in front of the goal, and when he played at Real Madrid alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and others, he showed versatility not only by scoring goals himself but also by creating chances, so I take inspiration from that aspect.
──You will be challenging the top team of the Blue-Red, which boasts a deep roster of players.
They are all players I look up to, but if I only use them as references, I won’t be able to surpass them. If I can fight here and get playing time in matches, I believe I will become a player who can compete anywhere. Although they are my teammates, I think the experience of beating such amazing players to earn playing time is something that can only be gained here.
──How would you like fans and supporters to call you?
"Taiyo" (Sun).That's the only name.
──You are expected to lead Tokyo from here on. What kind of player do you want to become?
Diego TABA is not particularly tall either, but it is truly amazing that he has played the role of a reliable forward for many years. I want to become that kind of presence as well, and I believe that as long as I keep scoring goals, we will not lose matches. I want to firmly deliver results and become a player who can contribute to the club’s goal of winning the league championship.
♢Taiyo YAMAGUCHI Profile
Date of Birth: August 18, 2006
Height/Weight: 183cm/79kg
Hometown: Saitama.S
Career: FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi → FC Tokyo U-18
National Team Experience: U-17 Japan national team
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
