Q. After the announcement of your promotion to the top team, you were immediately loaned to Gainare Tottori on a development-type fixed-term transfer before playing for the top team, and you were also loaned to Fujieda MYFC in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League on a development-type fixed-term transfer. What kind of experiences did you have, and how do you honestly feel you have grown?
A. First of all, from my first season entering the professional world, I feel it was significant to train under professional standards and be actively involved in matches. Of course, there are things you gain through practice, but actually playing in matches, competing in the professional arena, and learning from opponents provided me with a great deal.
Q. The style of play differs slightly between the J3 League and J2 League categories. Could you please explain in more detail what you gained from your experiences at Tottori and Fujieda, respectively?
A. At Tottori, I played as one of the three defenders at the start of the season. Since I had played both center back and midfield during my youth days, being given the chance to experience a defensive position at Tottori and then playing mostly in midfield during the latter half of the league was a very significant experience for me. Regarding Fujieda, having moved up to the J2 League category, I was directly coached by the manager, Mr. Tomoaki Makino, who had actually been active at the top level. While at Fujieda, I played as a center back, so receiving guidance from someone in the same position was very valuable. The team also conducted very intense training sessions, so I believe I was able to grow even more as a professional.
Q. How did you honestly feel when it came time to return to Tokyo at this moment?
A. When making the decision, I did have some doubts thinking about my future, but after hearing from Tokyo, I firmly felt, "I want to compete with Tokyo this season," so I decided with the mindset of "Let's do this!"
Q. Hayato Inamura has joined on a permanent transfer, and there are also players like Scholz and Masato MORISHIGE. While you might feel the competition is tough, you also have the desire to grow there. How do you want to break into the team?
A. That applies to the defensive line as well as the midfield, where there are many good players, so I think it’s definitely not easy to get playing time. However, I want to carefully learn from watching the great senior players’ performances during practice, and rather than accepting being on the bench or not playing as normal, I returned to play in matches, so I want to work hard every day in training with the mindset of taking a position.
Q. You also participated in the U-23 Japan national team at the Asian Cup and contributed with very composed play. Was there anything you gained from experiencing an international tournament?
A. I think it’s quite rare to have the opportunity to play against overseas players in regular matches. Being able to compete against peers of the same age in a serious international tournament was truly a valuable experience for me. While I believe that simply being satisfied with this 'good experience' is not enough to aim higher on the global stage, it was significant to realize the standards I need to meet and the areas where I must improve. Ultimately, we won the championship, but I think it was precisely because of that experience that I can move forward to the next step.
Q. From Nagano’s perspective, how did FC Tokyo’s performance during the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League period appear?
A. Of course, I watched all the matches. I felt that the intensity was really high and that Tokyo was embodying the style of football they want to play. Although they ultimately didn’t reach the championship, it was truly exciting to watch, and I strongly felt that they were thoroughly executing the intensity and the necessary aspects.
Q. I believe you have a clear understanding of the style of football Tokyo aims for. When you step onto the pitch and become one of the 11 players on the team, how do you want to showcase your strengths?
A. I think modern football demands a higher level of individual intensity than before. My strength lies in defense, but being able to contribute offensively is also one of my strong points. In both defense and attack, I want to be thorough in winning the ball back in my area on defense, and on offense, I want to focus on connecting well to the front line to create chances as well as being particular about scoring goals myself.
Q, Are there any players you are looking forward to playing with?
A, Sei MUROYA and Keito SATO, who play on the right side, have shown such intensity, technique, and skill that it comes through even on video. Now that they are my teammates, I’m looking forward to playing with them, and I believe there is much I can gain from practicing and playing alongside them.
Q. Ryunosuke SATO, who has been competing and improving together since the academy days, left the team for adjustments based on a transfer. What kind of honest inspiration did you get from seeing his appearance and performance?
A. First of all, I genuinely think it’s amazing that he is scoring steadily and producing results on the J1 League stage. This season, I want to also achieve solid results with Tokyo and show performances that can catch up to him. Personally, I want to become a defender who can outsmart opponents and make them think, "I don’t want to face him." I want to emphasize not only an absolute strength that anyone can see but also my own defensive commitment and make it stand out even more.
Q. Please tell us your goals and enthusiasm for this season at the end.
A. Since the category is also the J1 League, I have to compete in a more intense environment, so I don't think it will be easy to secure a starting position. I will steadily build up what I need to do on my own and actively aim for a spot in the starting lineup.
