Q: What is the background behind your decision to transfer?
A: I felt a great attraction to Tokyo. I thought I could grow again by coming here, and I decided to transfer as a form of challenge.
Q, what was your impression of Tokyo from the outside?
A, their counterattacks are extremely powerful. I played against them in the opening match, and they work hard defensively as well. I think they are a team with very high individual abilities.
Q, I think the part that grew in Kawasaki was very significant.
A, it was one and a half years, but I was able to grow a lot, and it was not just an ordinary one and a half years. Without exaggeration, it was a one and a half years period deeper than anything I had learned in my soccer career, and it was a time that changed my life.
Q, did you also feel the desire to make use of what you learned in the game precisely because you had so much to learn?
A, I had confidence that I was truly growing, but during that time, I was stuck for a long period without being able to seize my opportunities. Then, I received a wonderful chance from Tokyo, and with a strong desire to take on the challenge, I decided to transfer.
Q, I think you are a player who can play in various positions, but where do you want to compete?
A, I want to compete as an anchor or an inside half.
Q, among the position battles, there are players like Aoki and Higashi who play as anchors. What are the points where you can appeal more to them?
A, I think it is important not to lose in one-on-one battles, to take the lead in controlling the midfield as the central figure, and to make use of my physical size and power. However, I have not yet been able to score goals or produce visible results in matches, so I want to be able to demonstrate that here in Tokyo.
Q, what would you like to be called by the fans and supporters?
A, Please call me "Kouki."
Q: Did you choose the number 35 for any particular reason?
A, I have a family LINE group, and when I asked which jersey number would be good, my younger sister said that 35 would be good because it sounds like "Saikou" (meaning "the best"), so I decided on that number.
Q: You said that moving the ball is your strength, does that mean you have confidence in ball control?
A, I mentioned earlier that the past year and a half has been more intense than most of my soccer life, and I have truly spent that much time touching and working with the ball. There are still areas I can refine further, but I am confident.
Q, Was there any part that you felt you needed to learn after joining Tokyo's practice?
A: Positioning is something every team is particular about. The coach mentioned that it’s very important to see the opponent and decide where to stand, so I have been constantly thinking about that while playing since today’s practice. I believe there are parts the coach expects as well, so I want to listen carefully and coordinate well with those expectations.
Q, how is the atmosphere in Tokyo?
A, It feels very homely and easy to blend in. Even during today's practice, whenever there was a good play by the whole team, everyone would get excited together, and I thought the team unity was really great.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for Tokyo again.
The reason I decided to come to Tokyo is to be able to effectively combine my strengths with what I have grown so far, so I want to fully challenge myself in that area.
