“Our Nagakura” makes a resolute permanent transfer
"A player who can score and lead the team to victory even in tough times"
FW 26 Motoki NAGAKURA
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?
Motoki NAGAKURA, who joined FC Tokyo on a loan transfer in June of the 2025 season, has made a resolute permanent transfer from Urawa Reds. He has officially become a member of the team. It is easy to imagine the excitement among the blue and red family, who had been eagerly awaiting this news, with chants of "Our Nagakura" ringing out. This background of the big decision made by the player who showed performances that could be called the savior of the struggling team, and what he aims to achieve in Tokyo.
A versatile striker with all the qualities stands on the pitch as the blue and red ace. The good news arrived on January 3, just after the new year began. When Motoki NAGAKURA’s permanent transfer from Urawa Reds was announced, the blue and red supporters erupted in joy.
Last season’s Meiji Yasuda J1 League was a struggle, with the team sitting in 18th place in the relegation zone at the halfway point after Sec. 19. Joining on a loan transfer mid-season, NAGAKURA made a huge impact with 7 goals and 2 assists in 14 official matches, rescuing the struggling team.
That savior makes a major decision.
"Playing for FC Tokyo, I was able to get a good feel as a player. When I thought about playing opportunities and where I could perform well, I developed the desire to make a permanent transfer here."
Nagakura, who spoke about the circumstances of his permanent transfer, says he has things he wants to accomplish wearing the blue and red uniform.
“There is the difficulty of a half-season. Even so, I want to work hard to reach the top. I believe the only way to show that is through results. But I can’t achieve those results alone. As a team, we want to steadily accumulate victories, one match at a time. I have no experience winning a championship, so honestly, I don’t know exactly what is needed. However, the strength to not lose is also necessary to advance. Even though I don’t fully understand, I want to keep experimenting and striving to become a team that can win the championship.”
To climb to the top, having someone to lead the way is indispensable. It is precisely because he is aware of this that he spoke these words.
“It’s the same when the team is doing well, but it’s best to be a player who can score and secure wins during tough times. That’s something I want to aim for and work on myself.”
This season, reliable teammates have also joined. Hayato Inamura and Kento HASHIMOTO, who fought together at Albirex Niigata, have become teammates once again.
"Having players who pass the ball to me is a plus, and since we already have good chemistry, I think it makes things easier."
The taciturn goal scorer has a favorite scene. He says that moment when Ajinomoto Stadium is enveloped in cheers is irresistible no matter how many times he sees it.
"Whether I can perform well depends on myself. I’m happy and love seeing the fans and supporters rejoice when I score. I want to create many such moments."
The “super goal machine” will once again wear the blue and red this season, piling up astonishing goals and victories to bring joy to someone.
Beyond that, the new ace of the blue and red is surely waiting to be crowned.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
