He has climbed the stairs one step at a time from the J3 League. Accumulating more than 30 official game appearances every year, he has paved the way to the J1 League at the age of 27. The side back with a familiar name for the blue and red team holds a new dream and stands on the pitch of Ajinomoto Stadium.
Q, Please tell us your honest impression when you received an offer from FC Tokyo.
A, I was so happy from the bottom of my heart that my eyes welled up with tears. At the timing when I was deciding whether to stay with Fagiano Okayama or transfer to another J2 League club, I received an official offer. I had been waiting for an invitation from a J1 League club, so I finally felt the path had opened and that all my efforts up to this point had been worth it. I made the decision without hesitation, and I was so full of emotion that I almost cried.
Q, Was there anything important you considered in making this decision?
A, I have worked my way up step by step from the J3 League aiming for the J1 League. I don't consider myself the type of player who can choose where to go, so by the time I received the offer, my mind was already made up.
Q, What image did you have of FC Tokyo?
A, I have the impression that FC Tokyo's fullbacks have participated in every World Cup. As a player in the same position, I am happy to be called by such a club. Right now, I have a strong desire to learn as much as possible.
Q: Have you ever played against FC Tokyo, including practice games? Also, if you have any impressions on their soccer style or coach from an outside perspective, please let me know.
A, I believe I have probably never played against them before. I have a strong image of them carefully connecting passes and advancing to the front of the goal. I had the impression that Coach Albert PUIG ORTONEDA played very interesting soccer even during his time at Albirex Niigata. I wanted to play under him, and I thought he was a coach who builds good teams.
Q, I think you will be competing as a left back. Can you tell me your strong points?
A, Of course, I believe my strengths lie in one-on-one ability and running, but I think those are also strengths of other players. In terms of something other players don’t have, I consider my long throw-in to be my unique weapon. Even when not in a set position, I am confident in throwing the ball from a low position into the space behind the opposing center backs. I believe the long throw-in, especially when the opponent is off guard, is a strong point of mine, and I have been using it as a weapon since around the fifth grade of elementary school.
Q, after joining, I think there will be a tough competition for positions.
A, over the three years I built up in Okayama, I gained the confidence that I can do it. Now, I think I just have to go for it without holding back. Since this is my first time in the J1 League, I believe there will be no problem as long as I focus on my own play without worrying about those around me. I have that much confidence.
Q, it seems that you were also the player representative in Okayama, but did you also have a strong attachment?
A, I became the player representative simply because the previous person in that role transferred, and I slid into the position by chance (laughs). However, I believe I was able to build a good relationship with the supporters. I’m the type to respond when I receive messages, so I was often encouraged by various words of support. I really loved the town and all the people in the prefecture. I also had the feeling of aiming for promotion to the J1 League next season not just as an individual but as a team, but I thought opportunities like this don’t come around often. I believed that the Okayama supporters would surely send me off warmly, and that’s why I made this decision.
Q, have you been in contact with fellow FC Tokyo alumni Shingo AKAMINE and Kazumasa UESATO, who are from the same hometown as you?
A, I immediately contacted Shingo when I heard about the offer from Tokyo. Our homes are close even in Okayama, and just the other day, we had a meal together with our families, so I am very grateful to him. When we talked, he congratulated me. I also reported to Uesato when we met, and he encouraged me by saying, 'Go for it.'
Q, What were your thoughts and impressions when you played against J1 League clubs in the past?
A, When I was with FC Ryukyu, Teruhito NAKAGAWA's play against Yokohama F.Marinos left a strong impression on me. Every season, I would write his name in the profile section for players I disliked facing because of his incredible speed, which made me realize, "So this is the J1 League." Now that I will be teammates with him, I feel very reassured. I had the impression that each J1 League player possesses the ability to break through critical situations, and I felt they were still a distant presence. However, I believe I have leveled up over the past year, so I am confident I can handle it.
Q, there was also talk of finally reaching the peak of your career in terms of age, and this is your first challenge in the J1 League. How do you feel about this timing?
A, first, I want to aim to participate in the opening match of next season. Then, I hope to be selected for the Japan national team at the E-1 Championship two years from now and work with the 4-year-ahead World Cup in mind.
Q, this is a more specific goal.
A, I believe I can grow that much at FC Tokyo. Kota MIZUNUMA also joined the national team after turning 30 before this World Cup, so I think this is an age where I can seize such opportunities. First, I want to aim to be selected for the national team at the E-1 Championship.
Q, Does the excitement of this tournament also affect your awareness of the World Cup?
A, Yes. Considering my age, I believe the next North American tournament will be my first and last chance, so I have become even more determined.
Q, Do you have anything you want to learn or be inspired by from player Nagatomo, who made his fourth appearance at the age of 36?
A, I think he is a player who always takes the lead and raises his voice in terms of mentality, so I want to learn the most important parts of both his play and his character up close.
Q, Although the pronunciation of the name is different, it is a name that gives a strong sense of déjà vu. There may have been times when he was mistaken for Yuhei TOKUNAGA.
A, I know Yuhei TOKUNAGA very well since he was also part of the Japan national team and participated in the London Olympics as an overage player. However, from now on, I hope to make such an impact here that TOKUNAGA-san will be mistaken for me.
Q, what kind of year do you want to have next season?
A, This transfer was a decision I made because I truly want to contribute toward achieving the long-awaited league championship. I hope it will be a season where everyone can finish with smiles.
Q, What is your impression of Ajinomoto Stadium, which will be your home from now on?
A, When I actually played a match in the J2 League and when I watched FC Tokyo’s games on DAZN, I thought it was a great stadium with a strong sense of unity. I’ve also heard from Akamine-san that FC Tokyo’s support is amazing, so I want to quickly experience that passion in person.
Q, Finally, please give a message to the fans and supporters as a business card substitute.
A, I definitely want people to remember the name Shuhei TOKUMOTO as soon as possible. I’m often called Yuhei, but I want to show performances that will make people quickly remember and call me by my name, “Shuhei.” I look forward to your support from now on.
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
