A Clearer View Opened by Steady Self-Training
"I Want to Create a Reason That Only I Can Fulfill"
MF 27 Kyota Tokiwa
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?
Kouta Tokiwa spent a fulfilling time at the Okinawa Itoman camp before the season opener. Although he was unable to deliver results in the 2025 season and spent much time off the team sheet, the self-directed training he accumulated behind the scenes suddenly brightened his outlook. What did he think about during those tough times, and what efforts did he make? With that sense of achievement in hand, what path does he see for himself as he faces the new season?
Constant effort never betrays you.
At the Okinawa Itoman camp before the season opener, there was a player who showed remarkable performance. On the final day, Kouta Tokiwa spoke joyfully about his fulfilling time.
"As I mentioned before the Okinawa camp started, I came to the camp with the mindset of approaching each practice with the determination of an official match. I felt that I had to overturn the hierarchy in this camp, so I think I was able to start the season well. There were parts I could be somewhat satisfied with."
In the 2025 season league matches, he appeared in only seven games. There were long periods when he couldn’t even make the bench, but he never stopped moving forward. To get playing time, he took the initiative to start morning training and solo second sessions on his own. By steadily and diligently practicing the basics of “stopping and kicking,” the door suddenly opened through his relentless training.
"Previously, I used to receive the ball in the wrong places and would fumble after receiving it. Through my self-training, I was able to find a way to position the ball so that it wouldn’t be taken away. I also came to understand where I should stand in relation to the opponent’s distance, and suddenly my vision opened up. Maintaining that great feeling, I played several practice matches during the camp and was able to feel my growth. This has to be my foundation."
It was precisely because he found meaning in each day that he made a significant leap the moment he got the hang of it. As he increased what he could do, his natural strengths—such as daring runs from the third line and ball-winning ability—shone even brighter.
"The vertical movement box-to-box is my strength, and I have been asked to contribute to creating attacks. In that balance, it’s not just about dropping down to build attacks; by breaking behind the opponent, they retreat, creating space. A good balance has emerged between my characteristics and what the team demands."
As the placement of the ball improved, he naturally started to keep his head up more. He has also become able to effectively demonstrate leadership by directing those around him with his voice, which is another of his strengths.
"Being able to show leadership by raising my voice is also one of my strengths, so I believe it’s natural to direct the entire team defensively. While continuing to refine that aspect, I consciously play with the awareness that building connections in attack and moving my teammates ahead of me makes things easier for myself as well."
Even so, Tokiwa is not satisfied at all. What he envisions beyond his growth is leading the team to victory in official matches.
"I’m able to play in ways I never imagined before, so maybe people will think it’s pretty good. But this is just the point where I’ve finally stepped onto the stage where I can compete. I’m a defensive player, so unless I win the ball and then record goals or assists, it won’t be a decisive reason to unseat the regular starters and claim my position. I want to create a reason why it absolutely has to be me."
While continuing to grope in the dark, he grasped a clue. Beyond the suddenly opened view, an endless world spreads out. And in his eyes, the path he should take is clearly reflected.
From there, all that remains is to move forward step by step on those feet, accumulating reasons as he goes.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
