FOCUS ON - This Week's Highlight
On a cold and windy Kodaira ground, there was a player who stood out. During the public practice on this day, Kei KOIZUMI showcased a new hairstyle. His perfectly fitting buzz cut drew surprised voices from teammates and fans/supporters.
After the practice, Koizumi's first words in response to the interview were, "I just cut it normally because my hair was long like everyone else's," and he continued.
"I haven't caused any scandals or inconvenienced anyone. There's no particular reason for this, so I'm sorry I can't provide a comment that meets everyone's expectations. However, I had been growing my hair a bit since the end of last year, and I found myself questioning, 'Am I just growing my hair out to look more attractive?' There was a feeling that if I didn't do this, I would feel like I lost to myself, even though I'm not fighting against anyone (laughs)."
And when further inquiries came from the press, he said, "Honestly, I feel like I'm heading in a direction that isn't true to myself as a man, rather than just soccer. Since coming to Tokyo, I've been getting perms, dyeing my hair, and going in a direction that doesn't feel like me. When I questioned what it means to be a Japanese man, this is what I arrived at."
The big brother of Tokyo arrived at the answer that "a man should be silent and have a buzz cut."
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
"We asked the players about their thoughts on XX"
The project "Ask the Players: Questions from 2025 SOCIO OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP" where we pose questions gathered from our members to the players.
This time's "What's on my mind" features the entertainer that the blue and red proudly boast, Teppei OKA. I asked this passionate man, whose shouts have become a staple echoing through Ajinomoto Stadium, about what he's concerned about.
*Some of the questions we received may have been edited for clarity. Thank you for your understanding.
Q: Please tell us your recommended spot in your hometown, Player Oka. (Handle name: Supporter living near Mount Fuji)
A: It is a café called Setagaya Coffee Yu, located near Umegaka Station. I recommend it because the pancakes with ice cream there are very delicious and I really like them.
Q: My son goes to the same elementary school as player Oka. What kind of practice did player Oka do when he was in the first grade? (Nickname: Hibi)
A: I didn't play soccer in the first grade. I started playing soccer in the third grade. In the first grade, I was doing basketball, kendo, and karate. After I started playing soccer, I practiced kicking with both feet a lot to be able to kick the ball with both feet.
Q: Please tell us your goals for this season. (Handle name: Season 50 Points)
A: I want players from the academy to excel, accumulate victories, and win the league championship. Among them, I hope to be a key player and lead the team.
Q: How would you briefly describe your personality? (Handle name: Takamina-san, An-san)
A: According to MBTI, I am an entertainer. I enjoy spending time with everyone and doing fun things. I like to create a lively atmosphere, so I actively cheer for the team during matches.
Q. I am currently playing basketball in a club activity, but I am struggling to improve. What did you do in a similar situation? (Handle name: Same-san)
A. I do a lot of repetitive practice. However, if I am not improving, I first try various different methods on my own. If that still doesn't work, I seek advice from coaches or instructors and practice using different methods. From my own experience, I practiced lifting the ball with the instep a lot, but I wasn't successful at all. During that time, while doing repetitive practice, I changed the spot where I hit the ball, and it worked well. I believe it is important to take on many challenges.
◇Teppei OKA Profile
Date of Birth: September 6, 2001
Height/Weight: 186cm/83kg
Hometown: Setagaya, Tokyo
Characteristics and Strengths of My Play: Roaring, Enthusiasm, Long Passes with Both Feet, Aerial Battles Utilizing Height
Favorite Subject in School: Home Economics
What do you want to eat for your last supper?: Crab
Player profile is here
