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.
2013 National Kan's Return
[Match Information]
2013 J.League Division 1 Sec. 25
FC Tokyo 3-2 Urawa Reds
It was a great job for a shy monster. September 14, 2013, J1 League Sec. 25 Urawa Reds match. Finally released from the "red curse" that had lasted for an unimaginable amount of time, they grabbed a victory after 3287 days from Urawa. At the center of that joyous circle was, as expected, the "National Man".
The scoreboard shows a score of 2-2. The clock was about to reach 90 minutes soon.
To be honest, it was a game development of "here we go again". Since coach Ranko Popovic took over as Tokyo's commander in 2012, the matches against Urawa have always been a no-holds-barred fight. Until this match, there had been three consecutive draws, but there was an undeniable excitement due to the history between the two coaches (although both coaches' post-match press conferences were extremely long). On this day as well, we couldn't hold onto a 2-goal lead, and the mood of a draw started to set in.
However, Sota HIRAYAMA, who came on as a substitute in the latter part of the game, did not give up. "Both the players and the fans/supporters were seeking victory."
The last chance rolled to the man who never gives up. He earned a free kick on the right side of the center of the pitch, and Kosuke Ota kicked it with his left foot towards the goal. Number 13 threw himself into the air, following the sharp arc of the ball. Awkwardly, the ball hit his head and bounced off the ground, flying into the goal. Hiroki Abe, who witnessed this, climbed over the fence in the stands and stood in front of the Tokyo supporters waiting behind the goal. He raised his fist and shouted with all his might.
The goal celebration was filled with gratitude.
"In the past few years, I haven't been able to show my play due to injuries, but the Tokyo fans and supporters have continued to support me. I wasn't confident of victory at that goal. However, we came very close. So, I wanted to share the joy with the fans and supporters."
In 2011, when I was playing in the J2 League, I fractured my right tibia and fibula in a practice match in April, despite being considered the ace. It was my first major injury. The following year, I also experienced a long-term absence and was almost completely away from actual competition for two years. Before the start of this year, I thought it would be better to change my environment and explored the possibility of transferring. The negotiations had progressed to the point of serious discussions, but I changed my mind at the last minute. It was because I realized that I myself was not enthusiastic about it.
"When I think about leaving this team, I realize that my love for Tokyo is stronger. I feel like I want to start over from scratch here."
Everyone loved Sota so much. No matter how often he warmed the bench, every time Hirayama stood on the touchline, the blue and red chants welcomed him with great applause. And he continued to say, "I'm always truly grateful."
Afterwards, he continued to suffer from injuries and decided to retire in January 2018. In the retirement ceremony held at Ajinomoto Stadium in March, Hirayama spoke to the supporters.
"The most memorable thing for me is the support and encouragement we received after being relegated in Kyoto. When I decided to retire this time, the support we received after the relegation resonated with me. Even if there are difficult times in my life from now on, that support will resonate within me and push me forward. My second life is about to begin, and I want to live with the connections I made in Sendai, the connections that led me to my second life, and the support I received during the most difficult times in FC Tokyo as my inspiration for the future. Thank you very much."
I'm not good at putting my thoughts into words. However, that clumsiness was also seen as charming by others. Because it was none other than this shy striker who received the loudest cheers at Ajinomoto Stadium.
In my memory, there are many spectacular goals engraved. However, among them, there is one goal that is particularly memorable. The awkward goal scored on this day has a beauty that is difficult to describe in words.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
