At Kodaira Ground, where he returned after a long time, Ryunosuke SATO looked back on the 2025 season. He gained solid personal growth through accumulated playing experience at Fagiano Okayama, the stimulation and confidence acquired with the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team), and the double honors of the J.League Best Young Player Award and the Outstanding Player Award. Now that he has returned after making a great leap forward, the expectations from those around him are also high. With the confidence he gained from his decision to change environments, what will he demonstrate? His words revealed his determination and sense of responsibility.
Carrying the expectations of those around me, back to the blue and red once again
Q. How does it feel to be back at Kodaira Ground after such a long time?
A. Nothing had changed, but I felt a sense of nostalgia. At the clubhouse, I was able to talk with the coaches who took care of me during my academy days, and I truly feel like I have "come back."
Q. Looking back on this season, what kind of season was it?
A. I feel that the 2025 season was a period of significant growth as a professional soccer player. I also believe I became stronger as an individual. Compared to the 2024 season, it was a season in which I was able to grow in various aspects.
Q, I think it was a breakthrough season with great achievements such as being selected for the Japan national team and winning both the Best Young Player Award and the Outstanding Player Award.
A. I was given many opportunities to play at Fagiano Okayama, and I believe the sensations I gained from participating in matches and the range of my play expanded. Facing highly skilled players on the J1 League stage allowed me to improve my one-on-one and physical strength, as well as the skills and quality of my play to score goals, which also led to results. I think this growth and confidence came precisely because I was able to play consistently.
Q. During the 2025 season spent in Okayama, was there a match or moment that became a turning point for you?
A. The moment I felt a significant change within myself was during Sec. 19 of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League match against Shonan Bellmare. Since my activities with the Japan national team were scheduled after that match, I was able to approach the game with great personal confidence, and I believe that confidence led to good play and goals. This match was the turning point where I developed the confidence that I can compete firmly even in the J1 League.
Q. What was your experience like during your first activities with the Japan national team?
A, I was truly surprised and also nervous when I heard I had been selected. Participating in national team activities and matches strengthened my desire to be selected again and to perform well. I also feel that my standards and perspective on soccer have changed because I was chosen for the national team.
Q, After signing your professional contract in the 2023 season, I imagine you also went through some difficult times.
A. To be honest, I may not have had the confidence that I could absolutely do it, and looking back now, my ability was far from sufficient. I strongly felt that I needed to grow one or two more levels, so I chose to play in Okayama and change my environment. I believe this challenge has progressed in a positive direction, and everyone in Tokyo also supported that decision. I think this transfer was made possible because of that support. By performing well in Tokyo starting from the 2026 season, I want people to feel that this challenge was the right choice.
Q. How did the 2025 season of Tokyo look from Sato's perspective?
A. I watched every match unless it overlapped with a game against Okayama. In the early part of the season, I could see the team working on a new system, and in the latter half of the league, new players joined, which made me feel the team’s strength and defensive solidity. By joining that team, I want to contribute to playing even more attacking football.
Q. Do you have an image of the kind of play you want to perform after joining the team?
A. I haven't yet solidified the detailed tactical image, but personally, I want to focus on playing proactively after receiving the ball. I aim to send out arrows pointing toward the goal through dribbling challenges and through passes. Dribbling is also an area where I was able to grow this season, so I want to demonstrate my breakthrough ability and capacity to resolve situations on the pitch.
Q. What kind of communication did you have with the club regarding your return?
A. Since around summer, I have been discussing the next season. I received words from everyone at the club saying they need me and want me to play a central role in the team. I also strongly feel the expectations for goals and assists. As a player, I believe that if I don't show it in numbers, I won't be evaluated, so I want to focus on that again next season.
Q. I think expectations from those around you are rising, but do you feel any pressure?
A. I am confident, so it’s okay. I personally feel that playing while feeling good pressure is better.
Q. You feel pressure, but you also have confidence that surpasses it, correct?
A. Yes, that's right. This season, I was able to demonstrate that in Okayama. However, I have not yet been able to perform well as a Tokyo player. I feel that the tension to achieve the goal of "succeeding in Tokyo" is gradually growing stronger.
Q. Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A. I want to fully show how much I have grown as a player for Tokyo. Let’s win the championship. Thank you for your support.
Photo by Kenichi Arai
