Q. Please tell us about the circumstances that led you to decide on a permanent transfer to Tokyo.
A. I was with General Manager Mitsushiro OBARA during my time at Shonan Bellmare, and when I was promoted from the academy to the top team, Mr. OBARA was the head of the strengthening department. He was the one who promoted me, and Head Coach Yu TOKISAKI was also my coach during my youth days. They reached out to me saying, "Let's work together again," and they recognized my strong points. They also told me, "You fit this team. If you can fully utilize your strengths, it will lead to further growth for you," which felt very appealing and led me to decide to join.
Q. When deciding on a transfer, is there anything you consider important within yourself?
A. When I transferred to Urawa, Hiroki SAKAI was on the team, and in this case, Sei MUROYA is here. Opportunities to learn from players with such outstanding achievements who have represented Japan at the highest level, and to be in such an environment, are rare. To further grow myself, it is very important to observe such players up close. Of course, there is competition to get playing time, but I believe that playing in matches is not everything. This time, the presence of MUROYA is significant, and the fact that it is a team with competition was also one of the reasons for my decision.
Q. What kind of impression did you have of FC Tokyo as an opponent?
A. In the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, they were very strong when we faced them. They could maintain possession of the ball and even when pressed back in their own half, they held on firmly. They had the strength of counterattacks, powerful players up front, and a solid, stable defensive line. While the individual abilities were very high, the team also clearly knew what they needed to do, giving a strong and clear impression.
Q. Did you always have a particular image of FC Tokyo when playing against them?
A. It has always been like that, but I felt that it really wasn’t easy; there was a unique atmosphere and a distinctive tempo. When you charged straight at them, it felt like they would smoothly evade or deflect you. As an opponent, it was very frustrating and felt like a real threat. I have the impression that when I was younger, I didn’t like facing them.
Q. Once again, how do you want to integrate Ishihara’s strong points into the team?
A. I believe my speed, strength in one-on-one play, and accuracy in crossing will be assets to the team. Looking back, there’s an image that "FC Tokyo has good fullbacks," so I consider myself to have a similar playing style, fighting spirit, and passion as those players. I think I fit well with the team individually, and I want to play in a way that doesn’t lose to the predecessors who came before me.
Q. When I asked Head Coach Tokizaki about Ishihara beforehand, the words "hard work" and "fighter" came up. You have had a long relationship, but from Ishihara’s perspective, what kind of person is Head Coach Tokizaki?
A. When I was in Shonan’s youth team, Toki-san (Head Coach Tokizaki) was the coach. We clashed many times, and back then I showed a lot of emotion and confronted him head-on whenever I didn’t agree with something. When I showed that kind of attitude, he was the one who firmly guided me onto the right path, or rather, the direction I should take. Toki-san was the person who kept a close eye on me when I was getting carried away, and he was also the coach who properly accepted it when we had arguments. Having Toki-san watch over me and clash seriously during my youth days is a significant experience for me. Even after I moved up to the top team at Shonan, I felt reassured knowing Toki-san was there, and he gave me solid advice on football as well. He is an indispensable presence when I talk about my life.
Q, After going through various teams, how do you honestly feel about being able to play together again on the same team like this?
A, Simply put, I’m very happy. It’s a blessing to be able to work together again with Toki-san like this. He is someone I truly respect, and that was one of the major reasons I decided to transfer to Tokyo.
Q. You have had various wonderful experiences, such as winning the Levain Cup with Shonan and participating in the Club World Cup with Urawa. Could you please tell us again what you want to achieve at FC Tokyo (both individually and as a team)?
A. There is nothing but winning the J1 League. Of course, I also have the desire to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, but to do that, we must first win the league. The closest goals are definitely winning the J1 League and the cup competitions. From the matches I have played so far, I believe FC Tokyo can make that happen. Perhaps something has been lacking to reach that point, and we need to properly address those challenges within the team. I have heard that everyone felt frustrated about not winning the league last season, and when I talk with the coach and players, I strongly feel that desire. By channeling that desire and the will to win into our daily training, I may not be the one to create a new momentum, but I hope to contribute to the team even just a little.
Q. Please share your enthusiasm for this season, also as a greeting to FC Tokyo’s fans and supporters.
A. First, I want to play in matches and perform well so that people will remember my name. I came with the desire to win titles together with everyone. I want to express my fighting spirit and my feelings for Tokyo through my play. I am looking forward to stepping onto the official match pitch as soon as possible. Let’s win titles together.
Q. What should fans and supporters call Ishihara?
A. Please call me "Hiro" or "Hirokazu."
