Q, Congratulations on your first selection to the Japan national team. Please tell us your honest feelings right now.
A, I have both feelings of happiness and surprise. I was truly shocked. During the pre-practice meeting, I received the report of my selection from the strengthening department staff. The surprise was so great that I was at a loss for words. Both happiness and surprise came out at the same time.
Q, This will be your first time fighting while wearing the “Hinomaru” on your back.
A, it has been a dream since childhood and one of my goals has been achieved, so I am happy, but I believe from here on it will be a test of true ability. My current goal is to not lose to the players selected from overseas clubs and to give my best performance. Now that I have a new goal, I will just work hard.
Q. Players belonging to Tokyo and those close to them have been selected for the Japan national team so far. Once again, what does the “Japan national team” mean to player Tawara Tsukida?
A, after all, being selected for the Japan national team and being able to stand on that pitch is a dream for every soccer player. I don’t want to be satisfied with just being chosen; I want to fight with even greater responsibility than before. Representing Japan and playing with the Hinomaru on my back will be a significant experience for me as well.
Q. Once again, what kind of play do you want to show as a member of the Japan national team?
I want to showcase my dribbling skills, which are my personal strength, and focus on contributing with goals and assists.
Q, Players who were selected for the Japan national team for the first time are also listed, but in the same position, there are also players like Kaoru Mitoma and Keito Nakamura.
They are senior and skilled players, but I also believe they are opponents I must eventually surpass. First, I want to do my best firmly on the national team pitch.
Q, Your first experience as a member of the Japan national team will be an official match, the World Cup qualifiers, rather than a friendly match.
A, to be honest, I am nervous. I believe these two matches will be that important. Just thinking that I might be able to stand on the stage I have watched on TV and chased after, and that I might be able to compete as part of the Japan national team, already makes me nervous. I want to firmly prove that I can perform on such a stage, and I want many people to see how much I have grown.
AloJapan.com