That left foot might be the very ‘change’ Tokyo has been seeking.
Embracing the expectations and determination behind the offer, Fuki YAMADA will bring a fresh breeze to the blue and red from the 2026 season.
The experience accumulated overseas and at Kyoto Sanga F.C. becomes a force that changes the flow, bringing many opportunities and a clear difference through highly accurate set plays.
That left foot will change the game and transform Tokyo.
Q. Please tell us your honest feelings when you received the offer from Tokyo.
A. The passion from Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and everyone in the strengthening department was truly amazing, and that was the biggest deciding factor. For me personally, I also felt that I might fit well with the style of soccer Coach MATSUHASHI envisions. Ever since MATSUHASHI-san was the coach at Albirex Niigata, I had always thought, “That looks interesting,” and I had been paying attention to that style of soccer, which was another deciding factor for me.
Q. When you received the offer from Tokyo, what kind of expectations and evaluations did the club express to you?
A. First, they evaluated the precision of my left foot. I heard that Tokyo has not been able to score from set plays this season. They said, “Just having one player who can deliver balls that lead to goals or assists from set plays can completely change the team. The left foot that fits that role is yours.” I was happy that they properly recognized the threat of my left foot in their evaluation of my play.
Q. You played for Portugal’s CD Nacional in the early part of this season. In the latter half, you returned to Kyoto Sanga F.C. Was your desire to prove yourself in Kyoto still strong?
A. Kyoto was in a position to compete for the championship, and since I am an academy graduate who grew up through Kyoto’s youth system, I had the feeling that I wanted to be a piece that could help lead the team to victory. My desire to contribute somehow in the championship race was very strong.
Q. You have appeared in 12 league matches. How do you look back on your half-year at Kyoto?
A. When I first returned to the team, I somewhat felt like I had “ended up back in Kyoto.” Mentally, it was a difficult situation, but as I continued practicing, I was inspired by the passion of my teammates, and my motivation grew. In those 12 matches that followed, although I didn’t score any goals, I was given the role of coming on as a substitute to change the flow of the game, and I recorded 3 assists including in the Emperor’s Cup. While I was able to leave some visible numbers, the season also left me with the frustration of not scoring any goals. However, I believe I proved that whenever I came on, I could definitely change the momentum, and becoming a player who can alter the flow even when coming off the bench was a positive development and a sign of growth.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Tokyo from Yamada’s perspective.
A. Including the goalkeeper, everyone is involved in the build-up, and it feels like everyone touches the ball while moving toward the goal. In fact, in the match against Tokyo in the summer this season, Kyoto won, but I remember it being very tough as they kept circulating the ball. If asked, “What was the toughest match in the past six months?” I would definitely answer immediately that it was the FC Tokyo match, as they held and circulated the ball, making it a hard game.
Q. Are there any players who left an impression on you in matches or with whom you have a close relationship?
A. They are Kei SATO, Kashif BANGNAGANDE, and Teppei OKA. We are of the same generation, so we get along well. The player who left an impression on me this season is Motoki NAGAKURA. Simply put, I thought, “He’s really skillful.” His plays that catch opponents off guard and the way he receives the ball made his positioning troublesome for the opposing team.
Q. You have a record of one match against Tokyo Verdy during your time with them. What was your impression of that match and the battles on the pitch?
A. I was unable to play in the first half of the 2024 season due to the Paris Olympics, so the match in the second half was the first time I stepped onto the pitch against them. It was held at FC Tokyo’s home stadium as a night game, and the production including fireworks at the entrance left a particularly strong impression. I could feel the passion and dedication of the fans and supporters, as well as the atmosphere of the venue, which showed how much this match meant to everyone. There are usually exchanges and greetings with opposing players before matches, but I remember that the atmosphere was tense for this game, so that didn’t happen. I had never played in such an atmosphere before, so I was really excited even before the match started.
Q, How do you want to integrate your strengths with Tokyo’s style of soccer?
A, I believe I am probably the only one who can make a difference with set plays using my left foot and with dead-ball situations. I want to create that one difference there. Also, I want to be involved with the ball on the right side while creating space and show coordinated play with those around me. The style of soccer under Coach Matsuhashi, which involves everyone connecting passes, fits well with my playing style. Outside the box, I want to simply connect passes and carry the ball forward, and when I enter the box, I want to show a difference with my left foot that leads to scoring.
Also, I believe that reacting quickly to crosses after breaking down the defense on the opposite side is something Coach Matsuhashi expects from me. He even said, “Among the players I’ve seen, Yamada is the best at that.” I have been conscious of that kind of play myself and have considered it one of my strengths throughout my career. I also want to show gritty, pressing play.
Q, I believe there are high expectations for Yamada in terms of increasing goals, especially from set pieces.
A, rather than aiming specifically for goals or assists, I think the numbers will naturally follow. Of course, I’m happy about the expectations from those around me, but I don’t pay too much attention to them. First and foremost, I know best that this is what I need to do and it is my greatest strength. I hope the numbers will come naturally without me overthinking it.
Q, the phrase in your joining comment, “There may be some people who won’t accept me at first,” was very striking.
A, last season, I was with Tokyo Verdy, and there was a free-kick scene when we faced each other. It was from a position close enough to aim directly, and behind the goal, FC Tokyo’s fans and supporters filled the stands completely. When I set the ball and was about to take the kick, I was booed intensely (laughs). Of course, they were the opponents, so being booed is natural. That happened, and I also felt that some players who were at Verdy might think, “An outsider has come in,” so I made that kind of comment. However, as I wrote in my joining comment, I will show it through results, so please look forward to it.
Q. Lastly, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A. I believe FC Tokyo is a team that must win titles. To compete for the championship, this left foot and a confident player like me are necessary. Together with the fans and supporters, I want to energize the club called FC Tokyo. I feel that the passion of the fans and supporters is among the top in the entire J.League, and I am very much looking forward to feeling that passion as an ally. Please continue your passionate support.
AloJapan.com