1/17 Training
On the 6th day of the Okinawa Kunigami camp, practice was held at Kaigin Field Kunigami in preparation for the first training match of the season against Meiji University the following day.
On this day, while practicing build-up and defense, we emphasized to "look at the highest point" and made them aware of passes that reverse the opponent's press. Furthermore, while reviewing the training so far, we also confirmed the shape of drawing the opponent to the center and spreading out.
In the first external match of the new system, various players are expected to be utilized, and several combinations are likely to be tested. There is growing anticipation for the performance of new forces such as Marcelo RYAN, who has been making an impact in practice, and Kento HASHIMOTO. Finally, "Rikuzou Tokyo" is set to unveil itself.
FOCUS ON
The official photographer selects camp photos in the project "FOCUS ON." On the sixth day of camp, Kei KOIZUMI, who turns 30 this year, was captured seeking advice from Keigo HIGASHI after the team practice. Since turning professional with Albirex Niigata, he has always closely followed Leo SILVA, saying, "I asked everything I could." This season marks the 12th year of his career that began in this way. However, even now, his desire to improve burns bright, and he seeks advice from both seniors and juniors alike. The unchanged essence of KOIZUMI and the kindness of HIGASHI in response can be felt from this photo.
CAMP VOICE vol.6 Tsubasa TERAYAMA
Tsubasa TERAYAMA sought a place to shine at Sagan Tosu midway through last season, spending a rich six months there. This season, he will once again don the blue and red. The first two years after turning professional were a time of waiting. This was to spread his wings and fly even higher. "Honestly, I'm feeling anxious," said Terayama, as he shared his thoughts on what he experienced during his training at Tosu and his aspirations for this season.
Q: You were loaned to Sagan Tosu midway through last season. How was that half season?
A: As soon as I went to Tosu, I was put in the starting lineup, but I couldn’t get results and realized it wasn’t easy after all. However, I met various players, coaches, and managers, and I think my own awareness changed. It was only my second year, but it was the first time I transferred, and I felt there were truly many different kinds of players during those six months. Without a doubt, it was an incredibly intense period for me. I feel sorry that the team was relegated to the J2 League, but I believe that my time in Tosu will definitely be valuable for my future soccer career, and I feel I must make it so.
Q: I was able to score my first professional goal in the match against FC Machida Zelvia.
A: In my second professional year last season, I was selected as a starter in the match against Albirex Niigata. I wanted to start making my presence felt from there, but I ended up getting injured. I began the season with the goal of delivering results, but I also experienced setbacks like that. Injuries are part of soccer, but I was only thinking about how I could climb back up from there. By producing results, I wanted to show that my value is not limited to this. In that sense, the goal I scored in the Machida match was very significant for me. After that, I almost scored in the Nagoya Grampus match as well, but the post was against me. Scoring that one goal helped me clear my mind, and I felt myself getting into a good rhythm toward the end of the season. However, this season is a different story. I want to compete with my current teammates and work hard without losing.
Q: How has knowing a different environment from Tokyo influenced you?
A: The environment was completely different from Tokyo. However, I felt that the club Sagan Tosu is one where the entire town comes together to fight as one, and it is supported not only by the players but also by the fans, supporters, and local community. I strongly felt that the people of Tosu live their daily lives looking forward to the weekend matches precisely because the club Sagan Tosu exists. I was able to deeply realize once again that our job is to give courage and energy to such people. Although I am now with a different team, I want to make this a season where my performance reaches the people of Tosu as well.
Q, and the 2025 season of my third year as a professional begins.
A: To be honest, I am feeling pressured. Over the past two years, I haven’t been able to accomplish much, nor have I achieved any major successes. I believe this third year will be a very important season, and I want to make it a season that brings change within myself. However, there are wonderful players, coaches, and staff here, and I feel joy in being able to work alongside such people. I want to focus on my own growth and take it step by step.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
