A rookie year marked by steady growth
Shining with his strong left foot at Ajinomoto
FW 88 Taiyo YAMAGUCHI
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?
After a rookie year where he gained confidence despite a delayed start due to injury, Taiyo YAMAGUCHI enters his second professional season. Having experienced his league debut and selection for the age-group national team, he aims to further excel by leveraging his own strengths. Determined to overcome the professional challenges he faced last season, he is resolved to achieve clear results with his strong left foot.
The 2025 season, his first as a professional, was one in which he expected more from himself than anyone else. Taiyo YAMAGUCHI got off to a strong start in Okinawa. In the team’s first external match, a practice game against Meio University, he scored two goals. However, after sustaining a minor injury in the latter half of the camp and switching to a different training menu, he was injured during activities with the U-22 J.League Select team in the JFA/J.League Post-Youth Match. He was diagnosed with an anterior talofibular ligament injury, calcaneofibular ligament injury, and deltoid ligament injury in his right ankle, with an estimated recovery period of about eight weeks.
This delayed start had an impact. Because I couldn’t make an impression during the early spring when the lineup was gradually being finalized, it took a certain amount of time before I became a full member of the team.
“From around the summer onward, I increasingly felt my own growth and was able to produce results. I wanted more playing time in the final stages, but it ended up being a somewhat frustrating season with only two matches.”
On August 10, 2025, he made the bench for the first time in Sec. 25 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League against the Kashima Antlers, and then made his long-awaited J.League debut in Sec. 34 against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. In Sec. 36 against FC Machida Zelvia, he stepped onto the pitch at Japan National Stadium. This was a result of steadily improving his condition, but the second half of the season was also a time when he felt the formidable barrier posed by his senior teammates, as he was unable to achieve anything beyond that.
"Those who become professionals all have some kind of weapon. So, I thought that if I could demonstrate my own strengths, I would be able to get playing time. Although the types vary, everyone is undoubtedly of high quality, and I was always thinking about how I could compete in that environment."
At FC Tokyo U-18, he always played in matches, standing tall at the front line as a powerhouse with height, strength, and scoring ability. However, in the top team, everyone has their own sharp strengths, making it difficult to stand out. It was obvious that the conclusion he reached was, "For young players to join the team, they have to show their strengths to be given opportunities at some point."
The conclusion he reached was to further sharpen his instincts in front of the goal. "I believe I have an unmatched sense for sniffing out chances by making runs into the box," he said, explaining that whether it’s moving into crosses or bursting through on through passes, his unique strong point is the ability to consistently position himself to score in front of goal.
He is fully prepared with the determination to showcase that ability on a big stage. In the tense atmosphere of the decisive match against Machida, he felt the passion of the fans and supporters throughout his body—something that cannot be experienced in practice matches—and deeply realized the professional responsibility that surpasses nervousness.
Last November, he also participated in an England expedition as a member of the U-22 Japan national team, where he keenly felt the need to raise his everyday standards. At the Japan National Stadium and Ajinomoto Stadium—the “places to aim for”—he is determined to strike with his proud left foot.
Towards that goal, number 88 is striving to shine brighter each day like the sun.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
