It can be said that it is truly overwhelming.
Yuto NAGATOMO, who joined the Japan national team, is showing his presence on and off the pitch.
On March 18th, the first day of practice, just like in the past, he took the lead and started the warm-up running, responding to the calls of fans and supporters with a smile and raising his hand. In the following step work, he naturally took the lead in the group and led the team. He also took big reactions in ball passing, called out player names loudly, and coached to enhance the team's atmosphere. It feels like the familiar scene that was once a part of the Japan national team has returned.
It seems that the player's tension is rising due to being called up to the national team after a long time.
"I woke up around 5am this morning and my cells were starting to tingle, so I told them to calm down for now. But I was just so excited that I couldn't help it. (From the Avispa Fukuoka game) After the game, usually on the second day, I start to feel fatigued, but when I came here, it all disappeared at once. It made me realize once again how important mindset and feelings are. First and foremost, it's all about the mindset."
The surrounding players are also showing reactions such as "The drive and passion are amazing" and "We can't just rely on Yuto-kun. Our generation needs to step up" (Hiroshi Itakura), and are already having a positive impact and providing motivation to the team. This style remains unchanged even in the team's accommodations, with players like Yoki Ito saying "You can hear their loud voices all the way to the next table" during meal times.
Nagatomo himself laughed a little, saying, "(At first) I was a little hesitant and kept my distance from the young players, but I think we've grown closer through practice." However, he knows what is necessary for the Japan national team. He is determined to bring that back again and fight with the emblem of Yatagarasu on his chest.
Hajime Moriyasu's Japan finished the AFC Asian Cup in January in the best 8, and now is the time to raise the mood once again. In March, the Asian second round qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will resume, and Nagatomo has been chosen as part of the team's rebuilding efforts.
"(Last year's Japan national team) was lively and energetic, with motivation and ambition. However, at the Asian Cup, there was no energy or ambition. I don't know what caused it, but when one gear clicks, things can change, and there is also the fear that if things don't fit together, we won't be able to win in Asia. There is a certain atmosphere and winning team atmosphere that I have experienced in my four World Cups. I want to create that kind of atmosphere." (Nagatomo)
The position of being a "cheerleader" who changes the team's atmosphere is understood by the person themselves. However, of course, they do not intend for it to end there.
In Tokyo, they have maintained a great condition since last season and have continued to perform well since the start of this season. Their endurance that doesn't falter even towards the end of the game, their speed and timing in overlapping on the sides to create chances, and their persistent defense are still at the top level in the league. Even Takefusa KUBO, who played in a mini game on March 19th, said with a smile, "It was fun to have that persistence in a good way after a long time."
"Honestly, I feel like I am younger than anyone else. I feel like I am in my 20s condition. I think I was called up because I am able to move. What I am doing in Tokyo has been recognized. I have prepared myself to be told 'Nagatomo is needed' and I am proudly joining the national team with my chest held high, carrying my play in the J-League."
"Experience" is also included in the word "necessary". The away game against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on March 26 will be held in Pyongyang. Although Nagatomo himself did not participate in the previous expedition in 2011 due to injury, he has confidence that he can do it no matter who the opponent is or how harsh the place is. I think it's all about the mindset. If the mindset is broken, the team will also fall apart. I want to firmly maintain a strong mindset. If there is one energetic person, it will spread. I always want to be that kind of person," he said, expecting his mental strength for the unknown battle.
In Tokyo, he mainly plays as a right back, but in the current Japan national team, both Seiya Maikuma and Yusei Sugawara are playing actively as right backs, and there is a high possibility that he will be used as a left back, which he used to play in the past.
After the Qatar tournament, it has been about 1 year and 3 months since the Japan national team was called up. This is a serious match towards their 5th appearance in the main tournament, and a chance has come to demonstrate their own strength.
"I will go for the fifth time. I have decided that within myself, and I am working hard from there, approaching it by working backwards. It may be criticized if I say it arrogantly, but I also want to use that as energy and do my best."
After a long absence from the Japan national team, there are high expectations for a variety of roles. It is also required to overcome difficult situations. In order to prove one's own value and to pave the way for the future of the Japan national team and oneself, a passionate man will once again challenge the international stage.
text by Ikiru AOYAMA
