Using the frustration of the first season back in blue and red as motivation "I want to show the meaning of my return through results"
MF 18 Kento HASHIMOTO
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Returning to FC Tokyo for the first time since the 2020 season. However, Kento HASHIMOTO’s blue and red restart, undertaken with determination, unexpectedly turned into a difficult year. Everything is for the team. For winning the title. Wearing number 18, he vows a great comeback to erase the frustration experienced in the 2025 season at Ajinomoto.
There is a sense of achievement in what has been built up. He was also able to keep fighting while feeling the joy of playing again wearing the blue and red uniform. However, it could be said that this is precisely why it turned out to be an unsatisfactory year. Reflecting on his first year back, he expressed his frustration, saying, "It was not the season I had envisioned."
On January 5th last season, it was announced that Kento HASHIMOTO would return to FC Tokyo for the first time since the summer of the 2020 season. Having grown up in the academy, he set off for Russia’s FC Rostov, but due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the 2022 season, he was loaned to Vissel Kobe under FIFA’s special measures. Although he ended up making a “homecoming” to Ajinomoto Stadium in a different uniform than before during the Tokyo match, the Tokyo supporters behind the goal warmly welcomed their “family” with a banner that read, “Glad you’re safe! Keep it up, Kento.” From there, after stints at Spain’s SD Huesca and SD Eibar, Kento HASHIMOTO finally returned to his family.
The reason was clear. "I was moved by the passionate offer I received, and I returned with considerable determination. While Tokyo has struggled to join the title race, my desire to demonstrate my abilities and win a title through my own power has grown," he vowed to contribute to the club he loves.
In the first half of last season, when Rikizo MATSUHASHI was appointed as head coach and adopted a three-back system, Kento HASHIMOTO was initially delayed at the start due to injury, but afterward secured his place as a starting member in the defensive midfield position. Forming a partnership with Takahiro KO, he became the outlet for build-up play from the back line, playing while maintaining overall balance and showing a commanding presence as a key supporter of the team.
However, because the team was unable to achieve the desired results, they had no choice but to prioritize the team's stability and balance. As a result, his trademark aggressive 'box-to-box' movements quieted down. When the second half of the season began, the team managed a comeback, and gradually, his dynamic runs into the attacking third increased, but ultimately, he ended the season with zero goals. While emphasizing his desire to contribute to the team's victories, he once honestly admitted in the latter half of the season, "I want to start scoring goals myself soon."
That is precisely why this season, he renews his desire to make his presence felt both offensively and defensively on the pitch and contribute to the team’s title win.
“I want to be aggressive in both attack and defense. I don’t want to be passive; I want to take the initiative and show a more dynamic presence on the pitch. This season, we have excellent attacking players, so I want to support them firmly, and by stepping forward myself, I can add more depth to our attack. I believe I can show growth both as an individual and as part of the team.”
What lies ahead, of course, is winning a title with Tokyo. Regarding the special half-season tournament, he said, "It feels like it will be over in the blink of an eye, so I want to give my all to win every single match. For that, a strong start dash will be crucial," solidifying the image of running full speed from the opening.
Frustration becomes fuel. It also becomes nourishment.
Kento HASHIMOTO, who says, "I want to properly show the meaning of my return to Tokyo through results and play," aims for the top together as one with the blue and red family.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Toshio Aoyama
