Throughout last year's battles, the keyword for the team was "passion."
The battles that fueled them were expressed as a desire to win, creating excitement in the stadium.
This season's WE ARE GAMBA OSAKA will shine a spotlight on the spirit that lies behind the "passion" of each player. What kind of power will their soul, enthusiasm, courage, and determination give to the team this season?

"I want to play in a way that makes people happy."
He began to think about the job of a professional soccer player in this way when he was 20 years old. Until then, he had only thought about becoming famous and making money, but he realized that his job was not just about that. It all started when a friend recommended him to read a book called "The Letter Shop: Ten Letters That Changed My Job Hunting" (by Kitagawa Yasushi). This thought came to mind as he finished turning the pages.
"Until then, I had simply wanted to be successful as a soccer player, become more famous, and earn money, but as I continued reading, I began to wonder if that really had meaning for me. I began to think that there might be something more important than that, so I thought about what moments made me happiest. I came to the realization that I am happiest when I can make the fans and supporters, my family, and the teammates around me happy through my play, or through the victory that comes after that. Since then, I have wanted to be someone who can inspire others through my hard work, or who can bring them the smallest joys...for example, the energy to "try my best again this week at club activities or at work.""
Interestingly, as soon as he started thinking this way, his emotional swings lessened and he was able to point the finger at himself, whether he played in the game or not.
"To make people happy, we can't stand still"
That thought also encouraged me.
"When I was a teenager, I used to sulk a lot (wry smile). I often thought, 'Why?' when the Head Coach wouldn't use me, and I think I was pointing the blame outwards. Of course, it's a competitive world, so I think you can't lose that rebellious spirit. But I think I should point that arrow at myself. Since I started thinking like that, I've been able to focus on steadily building up my skills day by day, no matter what situation I'm in. So, recently I've come to believe that 'steady and steady is the key to winning.' I told that to Yatto-san (Coach Yasuhito ENDO) the other day, and he burst out laughing (laughs)."
In fact, Kishimoto's "steady work" continues unabated, no matter what the situation. Staying after practice almost every day to kick the ball is part of that. He repeatedly practices crossing the ball with Coach Endo, or places a wall in front of him and practices one-touch through passes. Some days he hones his playing sense with his left foot, which is not his dominant foot. Whether he gets results in a match or not, he keeps on working hard. This may be the reason why Takashi USAMI is now saying, "Takeru (Kishimoto) is getting better and better at soccer!"
"Am I getting better? I don't really feel it myself, but I'm not particularly skilled, so I feel like I'm able to do more on the pitch, and I want to believe that it's the result of constant practice! And I'd be happy if someone was pleased with seeing that."
In the recent match against Shonan Bellmare in 14th Sec. , Kishimoto scored two goals in one game for the first time since turning pro, and in 21st Sec. against FC Tokyo, he came on as a substitute and accelerated the attack, scoring the goal that sealed the victory in added time. Of course, it is this spirit that has allowed him to continue to fulfill his role well, not just in goal scenes, but in the time he is given to play. His performance will surely bring joy in the future.


-
Text by Takamura Misa

Back Number