The Prince Takamado Trophy JFA 34th U-15 Japan Football Championship is about to kick-off on Saturday 10 December.

32 teams from nine regions will compete in a knockout tournament to determine the national champion. The tournament is open to J-clubs, local clubs, and junior high school teams, setting the stage to determine the true No. 1 team in Japan in the U-15 age group.

In recent years, J-Club teams such as Sagan Tosu U-15 (Kyushu 2/Saga), the two-time defending champions, and Cerezo Osaka U-15 (Kansai 3/Osaka), who won the 37th JAPAN Club Youth (U-15) Football Championship in the summer, have occupied the top positions. However, as FC Lavida finished runners-up in the previous tournament, local clubs and junior high school teams are also showing their capabilities.

Which teams will reach the final, scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 at Ajinomoto Field Nishigaoka? Please stay tuned.

Interview

Here we interviewed NAKANO Shinya (Sagan Tosu), who won the championship at the 29th edition (2017) as a member of Sagan Tosu U-15, about his memories of the tournament and his days in junior high school.

○This interview was conducted online on 27 October 2022.

――When you were in your second year of junior high school, Sagan Tosu U-15 won the 29th tournament. Please take a moment to reflect on this tournament.

NAKANO　That was the first title for Tosu as well. I was able to contribute to the team by assisting in the semi-finals and playing well in the final, so it remains as a good memory for me.

――The final against FC Tokyo U-15 Fukagawa went down to a penalty shoot-out.

NAKANO　Yes, it did. I wasn't chosen as a kicker, so I left it to the kickers who were chosen, mainly the third-year players, to take care of it. It was the last tournament in which I could play with the third-year players, so I wanted to send them off with a win, and I remember being very happy when we won.

――In your third year, at the 30th tournament (2018), you played against Aomori Yamada Junior High School in the first round and lost 1-4. How did you feel at the time?

NAKANO　We lost right away, so I just felt that it was too soon. However, I don’t tend to dwell on things, and because I was training with the U-18 squad, I was able to shift my focus right away. I think my teammates were also quick to move on.

――What was your life like in junior high school?

NAKANO　I was so busy. Monday was my only day off, and I was training the rest of the week. After school, I went home, got ready, took the train to Tosu station, and then cycled to the training ground. It took me about an hour and 20 minutes each way. I would come home around 10pm, so I would just have dinner, take a bath, and go to bed.

――Did you find the trainings in U-15 difficult?

NAKANO　I played for a local team during primary school, so the trainings in U-15 was tough. I had trouble with the physical aspect of things because a first-year player and a third-year player have very different physiques.

――Which players did you look up to when you were in junior high school?

NAKANO　It was when I started playing as a side-back, so I looked up to Tosu's YOSHIDA Yutaka (currently plays for Nagoya Grampus), because he is a strong defender who can also contribute to the team's offence.

――Growing up in Saga, how did you perceive Sagan Tosu as a child?

NAKANO　It is our local club, so I used to go to their matches when I was in primary school, and I dreamed of playing for them. That is why I tried out for the U-15 team when I entered junior high school.

――What was your dream back then?

NAKANO　I wanted to be a professional footballer since I started playing football in the first grade of primary school. When I was in junior high school, I wanted to play for Tosu, and I wanted to play for a club abroad.

――The tournament will be held in December again this year. What are your expectations for the current U-15 Tosu side?

NAKANO　They are a strong team, so I want them to win the tournament. I have had the opportunity to meet the U-18 players, but I haven’t met with the U-15 squad, so I might have to pay a visit to give them a pep-talk before the tournament.

――Finally, please give a message to the players taking part in this year's competition.

NAKANO　Enjoy the opportunity to play with your teammates as this is the final tournament at the junior high school category for the third-year players. I sincerely hope that you will put all of your energy into succeeding so that you won't leave any regrets.

※The full version of this interview is available in the tournament programme, which can be purchased at the match venues.