The Allure of Tokyo, as Told by Nagatomo Yuto as He Eyes His Fifth World Cup

―In 2021, you returned to your beloved FC Tokyo after 11 years playing abroad. What is it about this club that you love so much?

First, the fact that it's a club based in Tokyo, Japan's capital, is a huge draw. Capital cities naturally attract a lot of people, including many from abroad, and are major economic hubs, with capital-city clubs often big-name teams in other countries as well. FC Tokyo also has many staff members who have been with the club for over a decade. It's a club with a very homey feel, with staff who care deeply about it, and coming back really did feel like coming home to family.

―You have played overseas in Italy, Turkey, and France. What is the allure of playing in FC Tokyo's home ground of Ajinomoto Stadium?

The clubs I played for—Inter (Italy), Galatasaray (Turkey), and Marseille (France)—were incredible in terms of sheer intensity and energy, but that intensity sometimes crossed the line into hostility. In contrast, FC Tokyo fans are loving and kind. I feel safe bringing my family to Ajinomoto Stadium. Overseas, the fans are passionate, but in a way that can turn dangerous when things go badly—objects being thrown at us, even moments when I genuinely feared for my life. I do feel that Japan is safer in that sense as well.

―It seems you dined with your former teammates from Inter when they visited Japan. What impressions do your friends from overseas have of Tokyo?

I think they have a very positive image of Tokyo. They're always impressed by how well-mannered the people are, and many of them say they would love to come back. Marco Materazzi has visited multiple times, and Antonio Cassano said he wants to visit again too, and it makes me happy to know they enjoy the city. I always joke with them: "I'm the boss of Tokyo—ask me anything about the city" (laughs). I moved to Tokyo for university, and have lived here so long that I take pride in knowing pretty much everything about the city. That, and spending ten years abroad and coming back, has made me realize how attached I am to Tokyo.

―Have you noticed any differences in how Tokyo as a region engages with sports, particularly football, compared to overseas?

In Milan, Istanbul, and Marseille, the atmosphere in the city would change dramatically before a derby match—the passion was that intense. Tokyo, on the other hand, has so many other forms of entertainment as well, and honestly, I feel like football culture still isn't as deeply rooted here as it is overseas.

―Given your high profile, do you feel there are unique contributions you can make to promoting football in Tokyo?

I'm definitely conscious of it, but my impact on my own is still limited. For football players to gain more attention, I think players each need to have their own bold, distinctive characters, including their personalities, and that's something that each of us will have to think about. Personally, I feel like I'm very normal, that I'm sort of the global standard, but maybe I come across as intense to others? If more players acted this way, I think the energy around the sport would rise, and things would probably get more interesting (laughs).

―What role do you see yourself playing in helping FC Tokyo become a stronger club?

As Japan's capital club, FC Tokyo should always be in the title race, and personally, I want the team not just to be Tokyo's, but a symbol of the entire J.League. For my part, I want to focus on helping the team win by showing what I can do on the field as a player.

―Next year could be your fifth World Cup. What are your thoughts on that? 

I get asked that a lot, but honestly, with my vocabulary, I always struggle to put it into words. That said, I played in my first World Cup in 2010, and the previous one in Qatar, as a member of FC Tokyo, and if I make it to next year's, it would be my third World Cup representing the club. I take great pride in that, and representing the club at the World Cup would be another way of giving back to FC Tokyo.

―If you were to describe Tokyo to the world, what words would you use?

I'd probably just say, "Tokyo is a beautiful city." The hearts of the people, the omotenashi (traditional Japanese spirit of hospitality), the city itself—it's all beautiful. That's what I would want people to know.

Nagatomo has a fondness for Tokyo and is drawn to its culture and the good manners of its people. Movie: the Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Nagatomo Yuto

Born September 12, 1986 in Ehime Prefecture. Dynamic full-back known for his exceptional stamina and extraordinary speed. His agility, physical strength, and athleticism allow him to hold his own even on the world stage. Photo: courtesy of  FC TOKYO