This is the story of Masato MORISHIGE, who has played the most games wearing blue and red.
In 2010, the friendly guy wearing a typical down jacket who came to Odaiba for the fan book shoot was not expected to stand on the stage of the World Cup Brazil tournament a few years later, despite being quiet and polite at the time.
Many seasons have passed, and many of the comrades who fought together have left the club. However, number 3 is still here. The achievements of Morishige are something that cannot be found on the ground.
He has participated in the World Cup and has won the J1 League Best Eleven award multiple times. While standing in glamorous places, he has quietly and diligently worked harder than anyone else, day after day. He has spent many, many years like this. Growing upwards and spreading roots downwards. I think what he has nurtured are those invisible roots.
Steadily standing firm, never stopping the journey of growth. Once, they were unapproachable and solely focused on their own path. But that has slowly started to change. In recent years, their presence has become more noticeable as they offer advice to younger players and those around them.
When rookie Kota TAWARATSUMIDA was left out of the squad in the Levain Cup quarterfinal match against Avispa Fukuoka this season, Kota MORI encouraged him by saying, "Do your best when times are tough." To Kei KOIZUMI, he showed the way forward by saying, "Become a player who can talk more during the game and connect the front line and midfield." There have been more opportunities to hear such stories from the players around him. I think that the players at the time who only saw Mori's back would be surprised if they saw him now.
The deeply rooted foundation has nurtured unwavering thoughts. Perhaps it has entered the process of conveying that.
Here in Tokyo, where rapid changes have taken place, the Inatai people may not be able to survive. However, there are two landmarks in this sleepless city. I love both the tower lit in orange and the tree that overlooks it. I have witnessed their transformations.
The technique for living in such a place is told by the days that Masato MORISHIGE has spent. The flower that bloomed brightly will wither first. However, the roots that continue to grow patiently will eventually become a big tree.
There are many things that remain in the club created by people who are emotional and sentimental. There are also players who have fought desperately there. The history they have woven together counts 25 years. It's good if you understand what's important. You won't forget, because you can't forget.
Where will the blue and red, which have marked a quarter of a century, go from here?
But, "Life goes on." Life and blue and red will continue. Let's gather again at Ajinomoto. Imagine the day when we raise the trophy with Masato MORISHIGE at that stadium.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
【25 Years of History】Special Column Here
25 Years of History vol.1 Things We Must Not Forget
25 Years of History vol.2 The Road to Our First Title
25 Years of History vol.3 The Blue Tokyo
25 Years of History vol.4 What We Gained from Relegation and Promotion
25 Years of History vol.5 Strike While the Iron is Hot
25 Years of History vol.6 The Path We Must Take
25 Years of History vol.7 The Essence of Tokyo
