A determined restart under the guidance of his mentor
Becoming a new attacking catalyst with his highly accurate left foot
DF 17 Hayato INAMURA
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Hayato INAMURA, who joined the blue and red team on a loan transfer from Scotland's Celtic FC until June 30. Raised in FC Tokyo U-15 and having been coached by Rikizo MATSUHASHI at Albirex Niigata, the young center back chose to take on the challenge of the J.League again with the blue and red, carrying a strong determination to "grow once more under Riki-san."
It is a determined restart. At Tokyo, where he was part of the academy, and under the coach who gave him the chance to make a breakthrough, Hayato INAMURA takes on the challenge to get his career back on track and regain his confidence.
Progressing from FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa to Maebashi Ikuei High School and Toyo University, he rapidly grew into a player attracting attention as a JFA/J.League Special Designated Player at Albirex Niigata in the 2024 season. After officially joining Niigata in the 2025 season, his performance was recognized, leading to a full transfer to Scotland’s Celtic FC in the summer of the same year.
An overseas transfer just six months after his professional debut. Although it seemed he was steadily building his career after knocking on the door of a prestigious European club, he only appeared in one official match for Celtic FC. With limited growth in training and reflecting on his situation, he resolved to make a fresh start by moving to FC Tokyo on a loan transfer.
"I really felt a huge difference in skill level, and I spent a lot of time over the past six months wondering what I should do. I still have regrets and feel impatient, but I decided to transfer because I want to face myself honestly and believe that playing in matches is what's important right now."
Putting on the blue and red uniform is something he hasn’t done since his time with FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa. Back then, he was a teammate who shared meals with players like Kouta TOKIWA, Leon NOZAWA, and Soma ANZAI. He himself says, "At that time, I was a petite attacker with a cute style. But since I hardly played in matches, I don’t really feel like I’m coming back," yet the fact remains that the blue and red blood still flows through him. Having once admired the top team, he received a love call asking him to "come to win the championship," and chose it as the place for his fresh start.
In a team aiming to win the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, he himself vows to contribute to the team while regaining his performance, saying, "I want to become a member of a team aiming for the championship. Right now, I have a strong desire to truly play for Tokyo. I was carrying too much expectation from others due to my overseas transfer, so I want to focus on myself without paying much attention to the voices around me."
His greatest weapon is undoubtedly the precision of his left foot. In addition to build-up play, he serves as the starting point of attacks with both long and short passes. As a rare left-footed left center-back, he is expected to play an important role in the style of football that "Rikizo Tokyo" aims for. Inamura talks about his own points of appeal.
"Not only my left-footed kicks such as build-up play and vertical passes, but also my skill in outsmarting opponents is something I hope people will enjoy. Of course, as a center back, I also want to impress defensively. I believe my speed, which won’t lose in a 'ready, set, go' race, is also one of my weapons."
Rikizo MATSUHASHI, the coach who gave him a chance during his time in Niigata, also said to him upon this transfer, "I want you to fight together in Tokyo again and aim for greater heights. I don't think you are a player who will end at this level," with passionate words. And Inamura himself solidified his desire to "grow once again under Riki-san." This is also to reconsider his goal of joining the Japan national team.
First, a loan transfer until June 30. Although it is a short period, Hayato Inamura aims for a complete revival in the blue and red, with the themes of winning the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League and fully regaining himself.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Takuro UEHARA (FOOTBALL ZONE Editorial Department)
