Q: This season, the club is undergoing significant changes. Have you noticed any changes so far, Mr. Higashi?
A: When the coach changes, the team's rules change, and the atmosphere shifts as well. Although the approach is different from last year, I think it's natural for things to change this much, so I'm not particularly surprised. If you understand what the coach wants to do and can express it, you'll likely be selected to play, and I believe what needs to be done is clear.
Q, even if there are changes, there is no need to be so cautious.
A: Since I will no longer be the captain for the third season, it’s not that I won’t think about the team, but I will be able to focus more on myself. I strongly want to once again direct my focus inward and refine my own play. The camp provides a lot of time to face myself, and I feel that I have been able to have a very good camp so far.
Q, I used to talk a lot about the team as a captain, but I think I will talk more about myself from now on.
A: Being captain was a great honor, and on top of that, I was fully committed to fulfilling the role given to me as an individual player, working hard toward my goals. I believe that mindset was reflected in my play, and conversely, when the team was not doing well, I felt that responsibility directly as my own. I am the type of person who tackles the responsibilities given to me with full effort, absolutely unwilling to cut corners, and determined to give my all in facing them.
Q: This year's captain is player Morishige.
A, Before the season, Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA told me, "I want to change the captain," saying there was an intention to add new stimulation to the team and bring about change. I also felt that the benefits I could bring to the team as captain might no longer be that many. Even if it was a big change when I became captain, over the years it becomes normal for the team, and I thought the added value of that role was diminishing. Honestly, there were many difficulties in being captain, and after three years, I started to want to focus more on myself. I feel those three years were times when I was extremely considerate and thought a lot about the team. At first, I think everyone was surprised that I was entrusted with the captaincy, but as I changed, those around me switched on and I believe it became a stimulus for them, thinking, "That guy is really working hard as captain." It might be self-satisfaction (laughs). Now that I can direct most of my thoughts toward myself, I find soccer very enjoyable.
Q: There are also comments saying that "Tokyo player's expression is bright" and he looks physically sharp even during the camp.
A. I’m enjoying it now, and on the other hand, I think Morishige must be having a hard time (laughs).
Q, player Morishige served as captain until 2017, and since then, he has further improved the quality of his play.
A: What I can say without a doubt is that it is important to face things head-on without running away or cutting corners. Honestly, at first, I had feelings of not really wanting to be captain, but even if you keep going by cutting corners, when you move on to the next step, you lose the foundation you built. I believe that only after thoroughly confronting and fulfilling the role of captain can you truly advance to the next stage. Continuously facing it is really tough, but considering my future career, I think it was a rewarding experience. Now, I’m excited to see how I can grow, and of course, there is pressure every year, and I believe I must perform solidly as a player. However, since I am no longer captain this time, I feel positively that an environment where I can focus has been created. I feel a bit relieved, and with a new coach as well, I want to make a good fresh start. No one is guaranteed a position, so I thought I have to make an impression from the very first day of camp, and I have absolutely no intention of taking it easy just because I’m a veteran. I want to maximize what I can do and keep making my presence felt. Ultimately, I think that attitude will spread to the younger players and those around me, providing good motivation. Also, over these past three years, I believe I have come to understand the atmosphere and important elements of a winning team, so I want to make sure to apply that experience well this year too.
Q: I think there will be difficult times for the team this year, and I believe that East player's performance at that time will be very important.
A. I believe that regardless of being captain or not, it is the responsibility of myself and the veteran players who have accumulated experience to take on that role.
Q, how do you feel about the soccer that Coach Albert is aiming for?
A. I find it very interesting. It may take some time to fully integrate, but once we can express what the coach desires, I believe we can showcase incredible soccer. However, the season starts in late February. While aiming for immediate victories, the key will be how we pursue the ideal style of soccer. Coach Albert's soccer carries a dream. If we can express the ideals that everyone admires, both the players and the spectators will enjoy it, and I feel a strong determination to build a great team. I think the challenge and the goal lie in making people feel that Tokyo's soccer is exciting while striving to secure victories.
Q, the balance between team and individual focus is in place, and we can expect further performance from player Higashi.
A, I am the most excited myself, and having been captain for three years, to be honest, it is also true that I have had fewer opportunities to focus solely on myself. Until last year, even when I was in good form, if the team was not doing well, I sometimes felt as if my own performance was also poor. This year, I want to focus a little more on myself.
Q, what is East player's goal for this year?
A, I am not particular about numbers. There are no specific goals or assists targets. My goal is to always direct my focus inward. I want to keep reflecting on myself and make this a year that leads to my growth. I believe that will ultimately benefit the team and help support it. I want to improve my skills and pursue them thoroughly. However, I also think my strength lies in using my technique and broad vision to involve those around me so the team functions smoothly. While doing that properly, I want to express a bit of ego as well. I hope that will lead to a style of play unlike anything I've shown before. Of course, I want to score many goals and aim for assists, but numbers will follow naturally, so I just hope to have good stats when the season ends.
Q, in this year's soccer that requires skills, wouldn't East player's skills come to life?
A, we are trying to practice soccer that connects the ball firmly, and since the opportunities to touch the ball are definitely increasing, daily practice is really enjoyable.
Q, the running power part will also come alive.
A, I believe that running, fighting, and the ability to see things through are indispensable in modern soccer. I think everyone was trained in those aspects under former coach Masaru HASEGAWA's style of play. Since that foundation is already strong, I hope to build on it even further. Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA's soccer involves continuously moving the ball when the opponent approaches, so it may take some time to perfect. However, I believe that if everyone can do that, it will become a very good style of soccer.
Q, Player Higashi always responded to interviews without hesitation.
A, I might just be lazy and simply not interested (laughs). I also trust my teammates, but when someone consults me, I feel that my personality is to trust that person and respond straightforwardly. When I was captain, I strongly felt that I needed to be interested in people, and I believe I have the strength to pour my energy into moments when it really matters.
Q, On the other hand, there is also a strong image of being mischievous. (laughs)
A, When I was young, I might have been like Ogawa player. (laughs)
Q, Ogawa player will respond to interviews without hesitation.
A, He is kind at heart. The player we want to lead the team from now on is Ogawa. He has been with the team for a long time both in terms of age and tenure, and he is approaching the age I was when I became captain. At first, he might be teased by those around him, but the courage to change is necessary. Once he overcomes the initial hardships, I believe he will see a different world. I used to be the type of player who would come just before practice and leave immediately after. Now, I am the second to arrive at the training ground after Morishige and prepare. As I have gotten older, I have come to understand what is important, and that has naturally led to this change. I hope Ogawa also gains various experiences and grows another level.
