TOKYOism

Finally, on April 29th (Fri, holiday), Tokyo will play its first J-League match at the new Japan National Stadium.

At the old National Stadium, we have played many official matches since the first year of J-League membership. There have been memorable super plays and impactful events. Since achieving the long-awaited title, Tokyo has won all titles at the National Stadium, symbolizing the deep connection between Tokyo and the National Stadium.

Our National Stadium.

This is TOKYO.

Before taking a new step at the National Stadium, let's look back on the footprints and memories that have been left at the previous National Stadium, along with photos from that time.

Tears of Jean in 2004 and the First Title

[Match Information]
2004 J.League Yamazaki Nabisco Cup Final
FC Tokyo 0(4PK2)0 Urawa Reds

November 3, 2004, a day that cannot be forgotten. We won our first title in the J.League Nabisco Cup. The memory of that fierce battle is surely engraved in the hearts of many people.

The road to the final was by no means easy. Furthermore, Urawa Reds, the opponent, had reached the final of the same tournament for three consecutive years. At that time, Urawa was leading the J1 League, while Tokyo was in 9th place. Urawa had a high reputation.

Moreover, for Tokyo, it was their first time reaching the finals, so the tension was at its maximum. Before the match, coach Hiromi HARA's words to the players, "If we win, I'll treat you all to coffee at 'Doutor'", helped ease the tense atmosphere. Or so it was supposed to.

However, in the 29th minute of the first half, DF Jean received his second warning and was sent off. In an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, MF Fumitake Miura was unfortunately substituted. On the other hand, DF Ryuji Fujiyama, who was called upon to play as a center-back at the last minute, showed remarkable performance. GK Yoichi Doi and even FW Mitsuhiro Toda, who covered the goal, successfully prevented all of Urawa's scoring opportunities, and they managed to keep a clean sheet for the entire 120 minutes, including extra time.

Naohiro ISHIKAWA, the MF who felt he couldn't move any longer, mustered all his strength and conveyed his intention to substitute to Toda, who was on the bench. However, it was Toda who left the pitch.

In the penalty shootout, where the outcome was at stake, it was quite unusual for the kickers to score, and it was surprising that usually reserved defender Akira KAJI stepped up as the fifth kicker. After the match, it was reported that defender Teruyuki MONIWA had blood in his urine, and he put pressure on the Urawa player at the penalty spot with a smile, saying "Let us win".

The episodes are endless.

Clear autumn weather. It is a joy to spend time experiencing the changing colors of the sky as the day fades away, stirring up various emotions and encompassing a range of feelings.

On the other hand, Yukinori YAMAKAWA of Hopeiro is busy preparing after the kickoff whistle, and he has no time to watch the game. On that day, when he noticed, Jean was crying in the locker room. While being caught up in various responses, he continued to comfort Jean, who couldn't face reality and kept saying, "I want to go home."

Some club staff members were away from the National Stadium, preparing for a victory celebration at Ajinomoto Stadium. Knowing that their efforts might not be rewarded.

No matter how much you love soccer and how much you love Tokyo, there are times when you can't even stand on the pitch, let alone watch. However, it was a final that brought meaning and pride to fight together.

Text by Yū Fujiwara (Freelance Writer)