July 18 Report
On the 5th day of the Hokkaido Shiraoi Camp, a soccer clinic was held in the morning at the Shiraoi Town General Gymnasium. Under the guidance of Coach Minoru KOBAYASHI, who cultivated his skills 22 years ago during his time in the development department, players and staff interacted with about 60 children from the town.
They interacted through rock-paper-scissors games and passing drills, with Kaede SUZUKI demonstrating juggling and long throws, and Matthew WATANABE showcasing punching and goalkeeper throws. The children were amazed by the professional skills they saw for the first time.
Furthermore, a signing session was also held. Each time the players' autographs increased on colored paper, notebooks, and balls, the children’s eyes lit up with joy. Although it was a short time, the players were healed by the children’s carefree smiles and also recharged their energy.
In the afternoon, the team split between the accommodation and Shiraoi Sakuragaoka Park Athletics Stadium to carry out recovery and training respectively. New signing Nikolai Varis and Kim Seung-gyu, who had participated as a South Korean representative in the FIFA World Cup 2026, also joined. Each person worked up a sweat in their chosen place, concluding the day’s training.
CAMP VOICE vol.4 Kyota Tokiwa Player
Q. Please reflect on the practice match against Montedio Yamagata yesterday.
A. During this camp period, the coach presented not only the continuation from the half-season but also what we want to pursue this season. I think we were able to try those aspects in the practice match as well, as they were strongly reflected in the training. However, I felt that the quality can still be improved significantly.
Q. What kind of response did you get?
A. We were able to have satisfying communication. Rather than negative talk, there were many positive conversations like "This part was good, so let's keep going" or "Maybe we should change our approach a bit in situations like this," challenging ourselves or aiming to improve. The goals originated from the flanks, involving multiple players, and we were able to break down the final phase with the simple play style that Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI demands. It feels like we are moving forward in a good cycle.
Q. I think there were many coaching voices during the match as well.
A. I have the impression that we were able to make a good start based on the foundation built during the half-season. Communication went smoothly without stress. Furthermore, I think we were able to confirm the high press and move the forward players mainly through the defensive midfielders and center backs, but there is still room for improvement.
Q. What kind of start have you been able to make while seeking further growth?
A. I have been saying this since before the season started, but I feel that even more will be demanded this season. I have a sense of urgency myself, and having played in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League, that has become the standard. I think those watching also expect, "You should be able to do at least this much." Even so, unless I create one or two more differences or add more weapons to my game, people won’t think I am truly growing. I aim high myself, but I also believe the demands will increase. I want to surpass those high expectations.
Q, Yuhei TOKUNAGA, a club alumnus who was watching yesterday’s practice match, highly praised Tokiwai’s play.
A, I’m happy, and I strongly want to meet the high expectations and demands around me. Also, since I have only been consistently playing during the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League period, it might be natural for people to think "he’s good" when they see me for the first time or a few times. Just having played for half a season means nothing. How much I can perform throughout this new season will greatly affect the team’s championship chances. When thinking about personal growth and looking ahead, I strongly feel that this season is once again a decisive year. After the FIFA World Cup 2026 ends, a new four-year cycle will begin. When I want to see a bit further ahead, I realize there are many things I lack. I want those who are currently watching me with interest to also look at me critically, and I want to impose even stricter challenges on myself. Through that, I want to grow.
Q, Have feelings toward the Japan national team also started to arise?
A, In terms of my personality and way of life, rather than setting very big goals, I have lived by tackling each challenge in front of me one by one and wondering what kind of scenery will unfold beyond that. Last season, I wanted to play in matches and be included in the squad, and in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Concept League, I was actually able to participate in matches and achieve a certain level of results. Thinking about the next step, first is to lead the team to victory, and personally, to become the best defensive midfielder in the J.League. If I can achieve that, the next goal will become clear. I believe it is about overcoming each of those one by one.
However, there is no time to be complacent and take it easy, so I want to level up myself with a sense of speed. Even when watching the World Cup, there is a considerable gap between the national team players and myself, so at this rate, it’s a world I won’t be able to catch up to. As Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI told me, by "fairly evaluating my current self without being too high or too low," I don’t even know what kind of person will be waiting for me after I grow faster. I want to give my all every day, looking forward to that.
FOCUS ON – Photo of the Day –
'FOCUS ON' selects one photo taken by the official photographer.
On the fifth day of the camp, we selected a photo capturing Motoki NAGAKURA’s best smile, brought out by the children.
On this day, he interacted with about 60 children around Shiraoi Town. Although it was a short time of about an hour, the kind Motoki NAGAKURA showed exceptional kindness by making eye contact and talking to the children.
In the final group photo, he held a child and posed with this smile. Rejuvenated, Nagakura displayed a series of stunning goals alongside the newly joined Nikolai Varis during the afternoon training mini-game.
