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.
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.
Dedication of the 2012 initial coronation and Lucas and interpreter
[Match Information]
91st Emperor's Cup All Japan Soccer Championship Final
FC Tokyo 4-2 Kyoto Sanga F.C.
The person who led FC Tokyo to their first Emperor's Cup victory was a guide who had a very fitting smile.
On May 12, 2011, interpreter Kazunori IINO called his comrade's mobile phone on the exact opposite side of the Earth.
On that day, it was Lucas Sevelino's (Lucon) beloved wife's birthday. Lucon and I were teammates and interpreters at FC Tokyo for four seasons from the 2004 season. Even after he transferred to G Osaka in the 2008 season, our friendship remained unchanged.
After putting an end to their playing career in Japan after the 2010 season and returning to their home country of Brazil with their family, the two of them have been in frequent contact. Iino had been relieved to hear that things were going well for Lucas as he returned to his hometown club Atletico Paranaense. On this day, Iino intended to call to celebrate his wife's birthday and catch up on each other's lives. However, he would be surprised by the words that followed Lucas' "Actually..."
"I have already retired from active duty. It's common in Brazil, you see, I saw the unpleasant side of soccer."
Upon receiving this sudden confession, Ino took action. He also reported it to the then coach, Kiyoshi Okuma, and the strengthening department. At that time, the club was struggling in the J2 League after the demotion and Sota Hirayama was out of action due to injury. Negotiations behind the scenes for Luccon's return to Tokyo as a catalyst for the team began.
"Let's fight together again."
Even though Iino said that, at first he didn't receive a positive response. "No, no, I've already retired. There's no chance, Iino." Still, he didn't back down. He kept calling out, saying "Tokyo is in a tough situation right now. Please help us." In the end, he managed to get a response from Lucas, who had given in, saying "For the sake of Tokyo, which I owe a debt of gratitude to." However, Iino said, "I think there was another reason why he withdrew his retirement," and continued.
"Although he didn't talk about it much, Lucão regretted not being able to retire in the way he had envisioned. I think that was one of the reasons that pushed him to make the decision. He wanted to come back to soccer and end his career in a good way. That's why when he returned to Japan, he didn't want to be in a state where he couldn't move. After deciding to make a comeback, he trained hard in Brazil and came to Japan with a well-built body."
FC Tokyo, with the return of Lucon, overwhelms J2 and achieves the ambitious goal of returning to J1 in just one year.
And in the Emperor's Cup, they defeated Urawa Reds in the quarterfinals and Cerezo Osaka in the semifinals. Before the final round, Lukon said to the players, "If we win at the National Stadium on New Year's Day, we will feel refreshed. We can truly savor a wonderful moment." The team rallied together.
The first New Year's Day battle between two J2 clubs, facing Kyoto, who were both relegated to J2 in the 2010 season.
Despite conceding the opening goal, Tokyo was really strong on this day. Yasuyuki KONNO scored the equalizer from a set piece and calmed down his teammates, while Masato MORISHIGE quickly turned the game around with a powerful non-spinning shot. The highlight was Lukon's dominance in the second half. He scored two goals to defeat Kyoto and achieve the first championship.
Luccon continued his active career for another 13 years and reluctantly took off his spikes. That day, the big smile that shone at the national stadium became one of the highlights of his illustrious career. Behind that, there was the dedication of an interpreter who worked to create a path for his comrades.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
