Big smile was Rukon's trademark.
"At first, I didn't plan on staying for so long," but before I knew it, my challenge in Japan had reached 10 years.
Sometimes behind the best smile, there was also sadness reflected.
He has a partner who stands by his side through joy and sorrow, and they have spent a lot of time together.
This is a story of friendship between two people.
Behind the Scenes
There is a backstage staff member who is entering his 20th season with the team this year. Translator Kazunori IINO has been supporting Brazilian players both on and off the field. From Amaral, TUTO, and Sandro to current players Diego OLIVEIRA, Jael, and Arthur SILVA, many players have relied on his help. He has pushed them to succeed in Japan, shared their joys and tears, and his work covers a wide range of areas.
"Recently, players don't do it much, but before, on the bus during travel, we used to play cards and joke around. That was our first communication tool. But because everyone is competitive, it's tough. One time, Jean lost and got so angry that he slammed the cards on the floor. Lucas and I had to calm him down and say 'relax'. Now it's a funny story, but at the time it was really tough (bitter laugh)."
Through such interactions, we will provide assistance to adapt to foreign lands. From learning to read and write Japanese, to calming the heart and caring for family, these are all part of his job. It is not just about taking the lead, but also playing an important role in supporting them to gradually build their own foundation for living. This interpreter has had the same passion for this job for 20 years.
"I have always strongly wished for success for all the players involved. Of course, that feeling has not changed even now."
What kind of character is it? Calm and steady, with little fluctuation. Maybe that's why I can't help but want to make Iino-san laugh during interviews. Before I know it, that has become the standard for whether my interviews have gone well or not.
I have lost many times. Each time, I took a deep breath and thought about the next question. It's been a repetition. Among them, the most memorable one is the interview with "Luccon" or Lucas Sevelino at the end of 2013. It was filled with friendship that crossed over 18,000km and the aesthetics of a beloved man's departure.
And the two of them, sitting face to face with their knees touching, laughed a lot. I still remember that clearly.
Disappointed Return
Lucas first aspired to challenge Europe when Iino became the Portuguese interpreter for FC Tokyo in 2000. However, he was unable to show his full potential in the French Ligue 1 team Rennes, where he joined with great fanfare, and from 2004 he sought a stage for his success in FC Tokyo. His challenge in Japan, where he was welcomed as Amaral's successor, was not smooth sailing from the beginning. Iino looks back on those days like this.
"At the new system announcement, didn't you talk about your playing style and characteristics? At that time, you talked about your speed and physicality being your strengths. But to be honest, when you first came to Japan, I didn't think you were a player with a lot of physicality. So at first, I thought I must have been mistaken. Looking back now, I think that was true, but when you first came to Japan, your body wasn't toned, Lucas. Later on, when we saw photos from that time and laughed together, it became a good memory."
Lucas at the time arrived in Japan in a far from top form. At the beginning of his stay, he would make noises every time he did physical training. He also lacked a sense of playing and it took several months for his body to move as he wanted. Still, as he gradually regained his form, he achieved decent results in his first year. However, in the following 2005 season, he suffered from injuries and struggled to surpass his first year's performance.
It was the end of that year. Lucas was informed that his contract with the club would expire at the end of the season. At the time, negotiations were underway for a Brazilian striker to replace Lucas. Iino said, "If you ask him later what was the most difficult thing about playing in Japan, he will definitely talk about that time," and continued.
"I've joked about wanting to quit the team sometimes, but being asked to leave by the team was a one-time thing that has never happened before or since."
In December, as he returned to Brazil in disappointment from Narita Airport, his back figure blurred. Then, the acquisition of the new foreign player that was planned was difficult, and negotiations were stranded just before the contract. Tokyo changed its policy and hoped to extend the contract with Lucas, but the proud man did not change his mind so easily.
Still, Iino continued to send messages saying "Come back" and "I'm waiting". Moved by those feelings, Lucas put on the blue and red jersey once again. In the 2006 season, he scored goal after goal with a fierce determination to prove his own strength. Although the team made the decision to change coaches for the first time during the season and could not achieve stable results, Lucas personally played in 31 games and ended the season with a personal best of 18 goals.
Sudden Retirement Announcement
Since moving to Gamba Osaka in 2008, their friendship has remained unchanged. Iino said, "I had the desire to fight together, but I was also happy to see Lucas steadily step up in Japan and contribute to winning many titles, including the AFC Champions League."
"Can you believe that Lucas used to be a really mischievous and bad boy? He didn't even keep his promises back then. It's hard to imagine, right? But after coming to Japan, he learned the customs and culture and worked hard to adapt to them. He may not have succeeded in his transfer to France, but I think he used that experience to achieve success in Japan."
And, after the 10th season, Lucas put an end to his playing career in Japan and chose to play for his former team Atletico Paranaense. He returned to his home country Brazil with his family.
On the other hand, Tokyo suffered the unfortunate fate of relegation to J2 after finishing 16th in the J1 league that year.
On May 12th of the following 11th year. That day was the birthday of Rukon's beloved wife. Iino, as he had done before, called his friend's cell phone on the opposite side of the Earth. After saying "Congratulations" and "Thank you", they continued to update each other on their current situations. Then, Rukon, speaking through the receiver, hesitated for a moment and said, "Actually..."
"I have already retired. It's common in Brazil, but I saw the unpleasant side of soccer."
I was surprised by the sudden announcement.
"I felt really sad when I returned to Brazil. But I didn't try to stop him because it was his decision. Even after he returned to Brazil, we kept in touch. He was doing really well, scoring goals and everything. I heard that he was doing well at the team where he grew up, so I was relieved. But then something bad happened to him. He didn't tell me the details. So when I heard that he suddenly retired, I was really surprised."
Iino immediately reported the matter to then manager Kiyoshi Okuma (currently the general manager of Cerezo Osaka) and the club's strengthening department. Okuma and the strengthening department contacted Iino, saying, "We want you to confirm Lucas's intentions as soon as possible." In a hurry, Iino spoke to Lucas again, saying, "Let's fight together again." However, Lucas did not nod easily.
"No, no, I've already retired, there's no coming back for me. It's too late, Iino."
Friend's feelings that changed the no chance
At first, I was easily rejected, but I didn't give up. From then on, I reported on the team's situation and results, and said, "So let's fight together again" many times. Lukon recalls the time like this.
"I received multiple calls and messages from Iino, and heard that the team is currently in a very difficult situation. So he said that my help is needed and let's fight together. Really, he was persistent (bitter smile)."
The back-and-forth continued until Rucon said, "I understand." Iino laughed as he talked about that moment.
"I kept sending messages and even called, saying 'Come back again'. Mr. Ookuma also said, 'Even if you say you quit, it's only 1 or 2 months, so it's okay. Please do something.' Tokyo, which was relegated to J2, is in a very difficult situation, and there is a possibility that they may not be able to return to J1. I talked about wanting to be helped from the bottom of my heart, including injuries to foreign players and the earthquake. He felt indebted to Tokyo. That's why every time we talked, he gradually changed his mind and wanted to help, and wanted to become a hero of justice."
Iino continues, "I think there was another reason for retracting my retirement."
"I didn't talk about it much, but I regretted not being able to retire in the way I had envisioned. I think that was one of the reasons that pushed me to make the decision. His hope was to return to soccer and end his career in a good way. So when he came back to Japan, he couldn't be in a state where he couldn't move. After making the decision to return, he trained hard in Brazil and came to Japan with a well-built body."
Although they struggled in the early part of the season, Tokyo, with the addition of Lucas, dominated J2 and secured promotion to J1 in just one year. Furthermore, they defeated J1 clubs one after another in the Emperor's Cup and advanced to the final round. Lucas was the driving force behind this success. "The final round of the Emperor's Cup on January 1st is the best stage. It feels great to stand there," he said, encouraging the team as they faced Kyoto in the final round.
Before important matches, it was always the same. As if it were a ritual, we would ask Iino to use his clippers to give us a short haircut. On that day as well, he led the team with a spirited buzz cut and dedicated play, contributing to a 4-2 victory with 2 goals.
Respectful Aesthetics at Departure
After that, Lucas played in Tokyo for two seasons and sadly retired after 13 seasons. Initially, Iino tried to persuade him by saying, "You can still do it," but Lucas always responded with the same answer.
"I don't want to leave the soccer world by being benched and falling apart. I want to say goodbye to the pitch while being missed by everyone."
At this time, I respected Lucas's aesthetics. "I'm stubborn," he said, but I was proud that he was able to end his soccer career in the way he wanted. Lucas regained his lost fame in France and will continue to be remembered as a legend who saved the club in faraway Japan. Behind this success story was a supporting staff who stood by him.
"Lucas and I, of course, were in the position of interpreter and player, but I think we were able to build a relationship beyond work, like family or brothers. It may sound cheeky, but when he was struggling, I also suffered with the same feelings. I always wanted him to succeed and do his best. We went through difficult times together and experienced coming out of a long tunnel together, which created an even deeper bond. I was truly happy when he achieved success in Japan. Of course, he was an excellent player, but also a wonderful person. Meeting him was lucky for me and I think it was a treasure. My desire for any player I am involved with to succeed in Japan will never change."
I have worked with many players over the past 20 years. "Not all of them have succeeded in Japan," he says, "but it's interesting. I often hear stories about new players who have come to Tokyo or players who used to be in Tokyo and have actually played together at another club." The world expands and connects with just one ball. Here, there is an interpreter who knows the charm of soccer well.
Yes, when Rukon and Iino praise each other, they always turn their clenched fists on their open palms and say, "This is good, isn't it?" with a smile on their white teeth. If you bring it up, it's a great success for a secret pleasure. During my interview, Iino doesn't laugh much, but when he's kicking the ball, he laughs unconditionally. I also think that he is someone who wants to be by the rolling ball.
◇Kazunori IINO・Interpreter Profile
text by Kohei Baba
photo by Kenichi Arai,Masahito Sasaki
