TOKYOism

At Kodaira Ground, where he returned after a long time, Ryunosuke SATO looked back on the 2025 season. He gained solid personal growth through accumulated playing experience at Fagiano Okayama, the stimulation and confidence acquired with the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team), and the double honors of the J.League Best Young Player Award and the Outstanding Player Award. Now that he has returned after making a great leap forward, the expectations from those around him are also high. With the confidence he gained from his decision to change environments, what will he demonstrate? His words revealed his determination and sense of responsibility.

Carrying the expectations of those around me, back to the blue and red once again

Q. How does it feel to be back at Kodaira Ground after such a long time?
A. Nothing has changed, but I felt a sense of nostalgia. I was able to talk with the coaches who took care of me during my academy days at the clubhouse, and I truly feel like I've "come back."

Q. Looking back on this season, what kind of season was it?
A. I feel that the 2025 season was a period of significant growth as a professional soccer player. I also believe I have become stronger as a person. Compared to the 2024 season, it was a season in which I was able to grow in many different areas.

Q, I think it was a breakthrough season with great achievements such as being selected for the Japan national team and winning both the Best Young Player Award and the Outstanding Player Award.
A, I was given many opportunities to play at Fagiano Okayama, and I believe my sense of the game and the range of my play expanded as I participated in matches. Facing highly skilled players on the J1 League stage allowed me to improve my one-on-one and physical strength, as well as the skills and quality of my play to score goals, which also translated into results. I believe this growth and confidence came precisely because I was able to play consistently.

Q. During the 2025 season spent in Okayama, was there a match or moment that became a turning point for you?
A. The biggest change I felt within myself was during Sec. 19 of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Shonan Bellmare. Since my activities with the Japan national team were scheduled after that match, I was able to approach the game with great personal confidence, and I believe that confidence led to good play and scoring. This match was the trigger for me to gain the confidence that I can compete firmly even in the J1 League.

Q. What was your experience like during your first activities with the Japan national team?
A. I was truly surprised and nervous when I heard I had been selected. Participating in the national team activities and matches made me even more determined to be selected again and perform well. I also feel that my standards and perspective on football have changed because I was chosen for the national team.

Q, After signing your professional contract in the 2023 season, I imagine you also went through some difficult times.
A, To be honest, I may not have had the confidence that I could "definitely do it," and looking back now, my abilities were far from sufficient. I strongly felt that I needed to grow one or two more levels, so I chose to play in Okayama and change my environment. I believe this challenge has moved in a positive direction, and everyone in Tokyo also supported that decision. I think it was this kind of support that made the transfer possible. By performing well in Tokyo starting from the 2026 season, I want people to feel that this challenge was the right choice.

Q. How did the 2025 season of Tokyo look from Sato's perspective?
A. I watched every match unless it overlapped with a game against Okayama. In the early part of the season, I saw that the team was working on a new system, and in the latter half of the league, new players joined, which made me feel the team’s strength and defensive solidity. By joining that team, I want to contribute to making the soccer even more attacking.

Q. Do you have an image of the kind of play you want to perform after joining the team?
A. I don’t have a detailed tactical image yet, but personally, I want to focus on playing positively after receiving the ball. I want to send out arrows pointing toward the goal, such as taking on defenders with dribbling and delivering through passes. Dribbling is also an area where I was able to improve this season, so I want to show my ability to break through and resolve situations on the pitch.

Q. What kind of communication did you have with the club regarding your return?
A. Since around summer, we have been discussing the next season. I was told that everyone at the club needs me and that they want me to play a central role in the team. I also strongly feel their expectations for goals and assists. As a player, I believe that if I don't show it in numbers, I won't be evaluated, so I want to focus on that again next season.

Q. I think expectations from those around you are rising, but do you feel any pressure?
A. I’m confident, so it’s okay. Personally, I feel it’s better to play while feeling positive pressure.

Q. You feel pressure, but you also have confidence that surpasses it, correct?
A. Yes, that's right. I was able to demonstrate that in Okayama this season. However, I have not yet been able to perform well as a Tokyo player. I feel that the tension to achieve the goal of "succeeding in Tokyo" is gradually growing stronger.

Q. Please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A. I want to fully show my growth as a Tokyo player. Let's win the championship. Thank you for your support.

Photo by Kenichi Arai