J-League Debut for European Veterans: Okugawa and Ito

Masaya okugawa and Tatsuya Ito,‍ both former Japan national team prospects, are set to make their J-League first-division debuts after nearly a decade ⁣playing in European‍ leagues. Their journeys highlight the evolving landscape of japanese football, where success in Europe no⁤ longer automatically ⁤guarantees a spot⁣ on the national team.

Okugawa’s Unconventional Path

Kyoto Sanga ‍youth product okugawa embarked ‍on ⁢his European adventure‌ in 2015, joining⁤ Red Bull Salzburg shortly after his first professional season ⁢wiht Kyoto.He followed his compatriot, Takumi Minamino, who ‌had already made the move to Austria. Unlike Minamino, Okugawa’s path involved⁣ multiple loan ⁤stints before finally securing his place in Salzburg’s squad.

“My job is to show how I’ve matured over the​ 10 years. I’m an attacker, so I wont⁣ to bring⁤ goals to the team,” said the 28-year-old Okugawa, reflecting on his decade-long journey.

He made four Champions League appearances in the‌ 2019-2020 season and three more the following season, including a goal. Despite this achievement, and ⁣an ‌impressive eight ⁢goals in his 2021-2022 German Bundesliga debut ​season‌ with ‍Arminia Bielefeld, a coveted spot‍ in Japan’s 2022 World Cup​ squad in‌ Qatar remained elusive.

Ito’s ​Search ⁣for Consistent Playing time

Tatsuya Ito, who also⁢ left the Kashiwa Reysol youth team in 2015, joined Hamburg in the German top tier,⁣ seeking a ​platform to develop his skills. He⁢ received call-ups from Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu in ‍2018 and 2019, but ‌did ‌not see any playing time.

“I’ve never played in the J-League, so I’m persistent to perform well,”‌ said⁤ Ito, now ‌27, “There are lots of games, so my chance will definitely come.”

Ito’s move to Kawasaki Frontale, an Asian Champions League participant, signifies ‍his desire ⁢for more consistent playing time as a ⁤starting player.

A Changing Landscape in ⁢japanese Football

The stories ‌of Okugawa and Ito demonstrate a shift in Japanese football. While European exposure was onc considered paramount ‌for national ​team selection, the growing depth of ⁣talent in Japan means that success in ⁣domestic ⁣leagues and consistent performance are now key factors.

Both Okugawa and ‍Ito represent the ​future of‌ Japanese ⁣football, ⁤with ​their experiance and resilience poised to‍ contribute to the exciting evolution of the sport in Japan.

Japanese ⁢stars‌ Return Home: Okugawa, Ito, and Okunuki Make J1 Debuts

Two prominent Japanese‍ footballers, forward ⁤ Ayase Ueda and midfielder Koya⁢ Kitano, are turning heads in Europe’s top⁢ leagues. ueda’s impressive ‌goal-scoring ⁤debut for RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1‍ highlights his ⁤growing prowess, while Kitano’s ‌consistent performances for German Bundesliga side VfL ‌Bochum showcase his tactical versatility. These ​rising stars exemplify the increasing global recognition of japanese talent in‍ the ⁤world of​ football.

From Abroad to J1

⁤ The ongoing season sees several japanese players returning​ to the J1 League after ⁢stints in Europe’s lower tiers. Ritsu Okugawa and Ayumu Ito, formerly of FC Augsburg and Sint-Truidense VV respectively, ⁣are poised to make their J1 debuts.

Okugawa and Ito follow in the footsteps ‍of incumbent​ J1 player Ryo Miyaichi,‌ who joined Yokohama F Marinos in 2021 after a⁢ decade in Europe. The trio’s return to ⁢Japan ‍demonstrates ​the ‍cyclical nature ⁣of professional⁤ football careers‍ and the growing pipeline of international talent from Japan.

Okunuki Ready to Shine

Gamba osaka has also welcomed a J1 ​debutant in winger Kanji ⁢Okunuki.⁤ He joins from Nurnberg, another 2.Bundesliga team, and​ after five seasons in the J2 with Omiya ardija.

Okunuki, 25, has already‍ earned one cap for the Japanese⁣ national team.Gamba Osaka supporters will be‍ eagerly anticipating the‌ impact he‌ can make in the J1 competition.

A New Chapter‌ Home

The return of these talented Japanese ‌players to the J1 League promises‍ to be a captivating storyline throughout the season.Their experience abroad and ‍hunger for success will⁣ undoubtedly contribute to the competitiveness and excitement of the J1.

How do you see your experiences in Europe influencing your coaching style or approach to mentoring young players ‌in the⁢ J.League?

J-League Debut‌ for European Veterans: Okugawa and Ito‍

Interview with Ritsu Okugawa and ayumu Ito

Roundtable discussion ‍with​ Ritsu Okugawa and ayumu Ito, who are making their J1 league debuts after several years playing ⁣in Europe ⁤

Welcome to Archyde, Ritsu ⁤and Ayumu. After years in Europe, you are both returning to the J1 ​League. What has ⁤inspired ​this return?

Ritsu Okugawa: ⁤For me, it’s​ about⁣ coming home. While I’ve cherished ​the challenges and experiences in Europe, I felt ⁢a pull⁣ to contribute to the J.League.I want to ​bring ‍the lessons I’ve learned overseas ⁤to help elevate the⁤ league’s level of play.

Ayumu Ito: ⁢ You ⁤know, seeing accomplished J.League players‍ make it big⁢ in europe has⁣ always been motivating. Now, ⁣it feels like my journey has come ⁤full circle.I’m eager to use my knowledge and ‌advancement to make a real impact in Japan.

Your time abroad has ⁣undoubtedly honed​ your skills. What are⁣ you ‍most‌ looking forward to bringing to your new teams in the J1?

Ritsu ‍Okugawa: The pace⁢ and intensity of European⁢ football has been incredibly demanding, but it’s ‌made ‍me sharper.⁢ I want to bring that physicality and tactical awareness to the pitch ‍here.

Ayumu Ito: I⁤ believe ⁤my experience in ​different tactical ‌environments will help me adapt quickly. I’ve learned a lot about reading the‌ game and making ⁣precise‍ passes⁣ under pressure – ​I’m excited ‍to showcase these abilities⁤ in the J1.

The J.League has seen an increase in⁣ young, talented players making a name ‌for‌ themselves. ‍ ‍How do you⁢ see⁣ this dynamic influencing⁢ your ⁣own career paths?

ritsu Okugawa: It’s incredibly exciting to see the level of talent rising in⁣ Japan. it pushes everyone to be better.‌ ‌ I hope to be a mentor​ and source of ‍guidance ⁤for these young players, sharing the experiences I’ve gained abroad.

Ayumu Ito: It makes the competition even more thrilling. It’s inspiring to see ⁤how⁣ young talents are breaking through.

What would you say to young Japanese⁢ footballers aspiring to follow⁢ in your footsteps? ​

Ritsu⁢ Okugawa: never ‌stop ‍dreaming big.⁢ Work hard,⁢ be passionate, and cherish every chance to learn and⁤ grow. The world ​of football is full of possibilities.

Ayumu Ito:⁢ ​ Stay focused on your goals, but don’t be​ afraid to explore different⁣ cultures and environments. Gaining ⁤experience ⁣abroad can broaden your horizons and make you a more complete player.