Q, welcome back.
A, I'm back. Thank you very much.
Q, did you feel a different atmosphere compared to the previous national teams, including not only the matches but also the training sessions of the Japanese national team?
A, yes. It's a gathering of players of the same age group in the national team, but this time there were players from various age groups. Each player this time is a top player playing in the top leagues around the world. The tension was on a different level and it was amazing.
Q, How was the tension of the game at Japan National Stadium?
A, I was always ready to play. When the game actually started and I was warming up during the second half, I was honestly quite nervous, wondering if I would be called and what I would do if I was called.
Q: Did you have a feeling that you would play in the practice after the Uruguay match, even though you played as a starter in the Colombia match?
During practice, I also had a sense that there might be opportunities for sidebacks. I was preparing for the Uruguay match, but when I didn't play, I switched my mindset and prepared for the next Colombia match, thinking that I might play.
Q, how was it to participate in the game?
A, to be honest, I couldn't perform well. I conceded the first goal in the defense, and it was my fault. To be honest, the evaluation is not very good. However, I had some good scenes in cooperation with Kaoru Mifune player on the side, as we had been discussing it since two days before the match. It is a challenge that we couldn't convert it into results.
Q: Did you feel that you were able to demonstrate what you have cultivated in Tokyo through the game, such as positioning?
It was a similar style of football to Tokyo. We played a style of football where the fullbacks would come inside and disrupt the relationship between the wingers and fullbacks. I was familiar with that style, so I think I was able to get into the game more smoothly than other players.
Q, I was also a set piece kicker.
A, the day before and the day before that, I knew that I might become a kicker in practice. I haven't been able to kick a good ball in Tokyo for the past few games. I only kicked one, but I gained confidence because I was able to kick it exactly where I aimed by relaxing my shoulder. I want to be able to do the same in Tokyo.
Q, were you nervous about the Colombia match?
A, I was extremely nervous. I was tense during warm-up, and it felt like I was losing the ball every time we passed it. But that's when I let go of my feelings. Even in Tokyo, when warm-up wasn't going well, I had a sense that I could relax and release my strength at the start of the game. I told myself that even if I made mistakes during warm-up, I could still enter the game in a good state.
Q, were you not nervous during the game?
A, I was somewhat settled, but when I entered and sang the national anthem, I felt a renewed sense of being on the pitch as a member of the Japan national team. My excitement increased rather than being nervous.
Q, you wore the number 5 of a great senior, right?
A, I also found out about Tokyo's Instagram and Twitter posts after practice ended at the same time as everyone else. I was surprised. It is truly an honor to be able to wear the number that Nagatomo has carried for 15 years. However, I still don't think I have reached the same level yet, so I don't know if I will become number 5 in the future, but I will continue to give my all and show what Tokyo's side back is like.
Q: Have you talked to Nagatomo since he came back?
I was told, "I've carried it for 15 years, so you should do it with that kind of determination." This time it's number 5, and I don't know what will happen when I'm chosen in the future, but for me, the image of Nagatomo is strong as number 5. That won't change.
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