Training kicked off in preparation for the inaugural J.League season of the transition year.
Although heavy rain was pounding the pitch at the Kodaira Ground early in the morning, the rain stopped by the time the players appeared, and the players and staff preparing for the new season lined up in front of the fans and supporters who had come before training.
First, President Eisuke Shirai, who newly assumed office in July, gave a greeting, and Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI clearly stated the team’s goal: "Bring the trophy to Tokyo. Aim for every title we can win." Representing the players, Hayato Inamura took the microphone and also powerfully declared the acquisition of the league title as the team’s target destination.
Kim Seung-gyu, who participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a member of the South Korea national team, was absent for rest, but Kaede SUZUKI, who accompanied the U-19 Japan national team on their North and Central America expedition during the off-season, joined the team. Keito Sato, who was substituted midway through the first half in the final match of last season, also participated in the team training from the start, bringing some positive elements as the training began.
Since individual training had already been undertaken, the team quickly moved on to drills using the ball with a focus on practical play. They improved their cardiovascular fitness through small-sided mini-games while reacquainting themselves with the feel of kicking the ball.
The team will continue training at Kodaira Ground until July 12, then participate in a training camp in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido, from the 14th to the 25th.
Comments from Head Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q: What kind of team do you want to build this season?
A: We want to play in our style, or rather, play like ourselves. Within that, it is important from the very start of the league season to once again cling to the top ranks, maintain a high position, and aim for the championship. This season has many consecutive matches, so we want to prepare well to be able to fight through from the start.
Q. You finished in 4th place in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. Could you tell us what you gained last season and what areas you want to build upon this season?
A. I believe the players also feel a strong sense of accomplishment, and it’s about how we continue to build on the quality aspects through daily training. Of course, there are parts we cannot definitively say will go a certain way, but as I mentioned earlier, there were consecutive matches, and in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, we had back-to-back games against FC Machida Zelvia in April, resulting in one win and one loss. After that, we spent four matches winning in 90 minutes against Yokohama F.Marinos, Mito Hollyhock, Kashiwa Reysol, and Kawasaki Frontale, but then lost 0-3 to JEF United Chiba, who were ranked low at the time. The question was whether we could secure one more win there. Chiba was outstanding then, and I think it was difficult for us to find a chance to win, but being able to earn one more point at such a timing is significant. This season, after the first two opening matches, there will immediately be a set of three consecutive games, followed by an eight-game stretch and cup matches. How we accumulate points under such conditions is something we must learn from the reflections during the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League period. It will be an all-out effort, so I think we need to set high standards and demands for the players.
Q. The season is changing to an autumn-to-spring format (autumn-spring system). Are there any effects from this change?
A. Our bodies move extremely well. Our coaches’ minds are also sharper. We realize, "It’s this different." Until now, the season started just after the New Year in winter, so there was naturally a feeling of "Alright, here we go." But now, with the warmer climate, it’s comparatively easier for the body to move. That makes it easier to build the body, of course, but since the real summer will start from here and extreme heat is expected, we want to build the team while raising the intensity where necessary.
Q, It gave the impression that the training was quite intense for the first day.
A, The players prepared well and came into today ready. As more players regain their condition, I think it’s important for everyone to stay grounded and not rely on the fact that the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League period went well, but to stand at the starting line once again and start from there.
Comment from Player Kouta TOKIWA
Q: The team started preparations today for the 2026/27 season. Please tell us once again about your aspirations for this season and how you felt coming into today.
A: In the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League, we fell short of the championship we aimed for, and at the end of the season, Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI told us, "I want each of you to think about how you perceive the idea of winning the championship during the off-season," and then the team disbanded. During the off-season, I took the time to seriously face and organize what is necessary for me to win the championship this season, including my own challenges, and I have renewed my determination as I came into today.
Q, You started with a new lineup, but taking that into account, how did you spend the first day of training?
A, Compared to last season, the number of players has decreased, but precisely because there are fewer of us, I think we were able to train together with high concentration. Also, including the new players, I believe it is important not to reset the team but to continue what we have built so far, so we want to communicate as a whole and make the team even better.
Q. You made great strides in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. As the new 2026/27 season begins, in what areas do you want to grow further?
A. First of all, as a premise, I don’t consider myself an indispensable player on the team nor someone guaranteed a starting position. The competition starts again today, and since there are highly skilled defensive midfielders, I want to make sure I don’t lose out there. I believe the demands on me will increase, and I will be evaluated by higher standards, so first I want to firmly win the battle for my position and earn a starting spot. To play in matches, I want to be extremely strict with myself, allowing no mistakes in defense and build-up play. Also, since I didn’t record any goals or assists last season, I want to be equally strict with myself in those areas as well.
Q. The training camp will start from here, but considering the aspect of building a body that can endure the new season, please share your enthusiasm heading into the league opener.
A. I grasped my position within the team during the 2026 season camp, but I also keep in mind that the opposite could happen, so I want to face myself seriously and build my condition properly. Also, I think the camp will be a place to enhance team strength while communicating, so I want to be conscious of that as well. President Eisuke Shirai spoke to the team, and what he said—"Was every practice a championship-winning practice?" and "Did you take actions that could lead to a championship?"—I want to focus on these questions every single day and spend each day with the goal of winning the league in mind.
