We deliver a partial excerpt of the article distributed to academy partners and supporters. The full text can be read even after joining from now on.
The 2026 J.League season is approaching a major turning point, with the long-considered season transition being implemented and the 'U-21 J.League,' aimed at full-scale strengthening post-youth, also starting. Four young men who have honed their skills in the Tokyo academy and engraved the pride of blue and red on their hearts are beginning their careers as professional soccer players.
"When I participated in the top team's training, I couldn't play well at all, so honestly, I was worried about whether I could be promoted. But when I was told I could move up, I felt relieved first and foremost, and my happiness was overwhelming."
Divine OTANI. Born May 4, 2007, 18 years old. His physicality is overwhelming. Standing at 191 cm and weighing 86 kg, he uses his impressive physique to become a target at the front line, and with skillful movements, he breaks behind the opponent's defensive line and brilliantly scores goals. The number “18” he has worn since his time at FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi is a lucky number he is very particular about.
Just before the start of last season's Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2024 EAST (Premier League), Otani, who had been overshadowed by Taiyo YAMAGUCHI and Kio TANAKA and had few opportunities to play as a forward, received an unexpected proposal from coach Yukihiko SATO. It was a conversion to right side half.
"To be honest, at first I didn’t want to do it, but when I tried playing on the side, I found a kind of enjoyment that I didn’t have as a forward. From the side, you can see the entire opposing defensive line, so it was easier to break behind them." As a result, he appeared in all 22 league matches and scored a team-high 6 goals. He also felt that his new potential had expanded.
However, there is more to the story of that position change...
(The following content is distributed exclusively to Academy Partners and Supporters)
"I was honestly happy, and I feel like I was able to give back to my parents in some way. My mother is someone who cries easily, so she cried when I told her about my promotion, and my father was also very happy."
Yuta SUGAWARA. Born September 7, 2007, 18 years old. His devilish left foot packs plenty of power. Once he receives the ball on the right side, the ideas that follow are limitless. Whether it’s a cut-in shot, a right-footed cross refined this season, or combinations instantly formed with those around him, he skillfully switches between them all, continuously posing a threat to opponents. He is what you’d call a naturally gifted left-footer.
Although he participated in the top team’s camp for two consecutive seasons, it is hard to say that he was able to fully demonstrate the performance he had hoped for. Additionally, the fact that a “junior” two years younger than him fully showcased his true ability and secured playing opportunities in the J1 League only amplified his frustration.
"I was filled with quite a lot of frustration. Honestly, I wanted to be the one riding that wave, not Maki KITAHARA, but since Maki’s performance was better, I felt really frustrated both during the camp and after returning."
However, I was also painfully aware of my own lack of ability. Emotions swirling inside my heart. At such a time, what I remembered were the words sent to me during the camp by Masato MORISHIGE, a club legend who himself has accumulated countless experiences... .
(The following content is distributed exclusively to Academy Partners and Supporters)
"I have lived in Kodaira since I was born, and I started playing soccer through FC Tokyo's soccer school. I have always attended the fan service sessions after the top team's training, so I feel nothing but happiness and excitement to be able to start my professional career with the team I have admired."
Kaede SUZUKI. Born on June 5, 2007, 18 years old. A true product of the blue and red. Until his time with FC Tokyo U-15 Musashi, his main position was center back, but after being promoted to U-18, he also tried playing as a defensive midfielder, which greatly expanded the range of his play. His precise kicking ability, capable of delivering both short and long passes, along with his high-level technique and calm decision-making to fearlessly draw the ball out even from the last line and participate in build-up play, are qualities that fully hold up at the professional level.
He appeared in 19 Premier League matches from his first year of high school. While training and competing with high-level seniors such as Ryunosuke SATO (currently on a development-type loan to Fagiano Okayama) and Shuto NAGANO (currently on a development-type loan to Gainare Tottori), he established his position within the team. However, last season, when further progress was expected, he was unfortunately plagued by a series of injuries.
"I had never suffered a major injury before, but around the end of May last season, I pulled a muscle... I returned during summer break, but then got injured again, came back, got injured again, and repeated that cycle three times."
The first long-term absence in his career. It wasn't without anxiety...
(The following content is distributed exclusively to Academy Partners and Supporters)
"To be honest, I thought it would be a tough line to make it to the top team, so I was very happy, but at the same time, I felt that I needed to tighten up my lifestyle to face soccer more seriously. However, I am confident that I can make it as a professional, and the strongest feeling I have is 'I'm really looking forward to it.'"
Kio TANAKA. Born August 7, 2007, 18 years old. Aggressive to an impressive degree. An attacker equipped with the ability to perform above standard in any offensive position, he boldly takes on challenges whenever he has the ball. The determination to absolutely beat the opponent in front of him radiates from every aspect of his play. His competitive spirit has been his greatest asset since he started playing soccer.
On the other hand, he also possesses the flexibility to honestly adopt what he thinks is good. Last season, when he was a second-year student, he noticed the routine that a senior one year above him was continuing, and being significantly influenced by it, his mindset toward training changed.
"Last season, the third-year seniors came to practice incredibly early. By the time I finished school and arrived at the field, they were already kicking the ball around, and especially Yutaha OKOSHI (currently with Juntendo University Soccer Club) was kicking the ball continuously. I haven't talked with him personally, but even from my perspective, I could feel that OKOSHI's dribbling and shooting had improved tremendously, so I thought that if I worked hard like that, I could grow even more myself."
This season, I started with the determination to absolutely become a professional...
(The following content is distributed exclusively to Academy Partners and Supporters)
Having spent a considerable amount of time at this club from the academy, when asked what they want to achieve in Tokyo, the same phrase slipped from all four of them. I would like to share that at the end...
"Personally, I want to be involved in J1 League matches from my first season, and above all, I strongly want to contribute to Tokyo's J1 League championship" (Otani)
"I have been taken care of by this club, so rather than thinking about transferring overseas, I want to lead Tokyo to win the J1 League." (Sugawara)
"Tokyo has never won the J1 League yet, so becoming a key player for Tokyo and contributing to winning the J1 League is a big goal for me." (Suzuki)
“Eventually, I definitely have the goal of wearing the number 10 for this team and leading Tokyo to win the J1 League,” (Tanaka) said.
The four 18-year-olds all spoke the same key phrase, which can be called a long-cherished wish for Tokyo: ‘J1 League championship.’ If that time comes in the near future, and at the moment the final whistle blows all four of them are standing on the pitch, it would undoubtedly be the greatest sight for them and for everyone surrounding Tokyo.
Text by Takashi Tsuchiya (Football Writer)
