Quite a lot of time has transpired between entries of this series and I do apologize. I have been embarking on a ‘house hardening’ campaign to prepare my family for the new “normal” of life with COVID-19. At times it feels a little bit like nailing jello to the wall but you cannot quit and must maintain focus at all times with little kids.
We’ve all seen the devastation wrought by COVID-19 across the globe and now Japan is beginning to feel the effects as well. But as I’ve said before, sometimes we need a break from all the doom and gloom and need to laugh with friends so as to maintain our sanity. That is why I do these interviews along with the idea of promtoing the many great Twitter Accounts and Blogs in English associated with the J-League.
Today’s entry is far away one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time. We have the privilege, nay, the pleasure of speaking with the co-founders of the @FCTokyoKaiGuys twitter account, Tom and Alex.
This was a great interview, and challenging as well, as I conduct these interviews via email and there are two respondents for this one instead of the normal one. I think you’re really going to enjoy it as much as I did so relax on this lazy Sunday to open Golden Week by staying at home and soaking in all the goodness from these guys, the @FCTokyoKaiGuys that is!
(Final procedural note before we begin. My questions and responses will be in BOLD like the other entries. And away we go!)
Today we are privileged to speak to the creator(s) of the @FCTokyoKaiGuys Twitter account, better known as Thomas Pennington (@tpen18) and Alex Bishop (@Abishop32).
Gents, thanks for agreeing to conduct this interview as I know we all lead busy lives during difficult times. I think it’s appropriate to begin all of these interviews by asking, how both of you are doing during these unprecedented times with the COVID-19 Pandemic?
(TOM) Well I have two little ones who are staying at home while I get to work from home, sometimes it’s carnage. Since we’re at home all the time with the exception of grocery shopping, finding new things for them to do can be a challenge. Too much uncertainty as we’re all aware.
Tom, I am in that boat with you and thankfully my wife is now able to work from home and partake in the PAIN ( I mean joy) of taking on the role of parent, cook, maid, referee, teacher and play time buddy while we work from home.
(ALEX) Like Tom, I too am working from home. Now and again I venture out and join the hipsters at Starbucks, Tully’s or other coffee shops around Tokyo to get work done. Although I believe that luxury may also be taken from us soon. Whilst these are trying times the freedom that has been bestowed upon us is still something of a novelty at this point.
I agree. Enjoy what you can, as safely as you can, for as long as you can. Hard to predict when things will take a positive turn but for now, it is imperative we all do our part to combat the spread of the virus.
Q. So, what have you been doing during this “interim” period between FC Tokyo matches? Thomas, it looks as if your deep into the FIFA video game and Alex, you just wrapped up a trip up north with Scott McIntyre (@mcintinhos), how was it?
(TOM) Yeah, I’ve taken to FIFA Career mode to swap some of the Asian leagues with European leagues to see how we get on over there. It’s safe to say some of the top Asian Clubs can hold their own if we played by FIFA rules though Tokyo seem to have a bogey team in Port Vale. I got smashed 4-2 away and 2-5 in the final game of the season though I finished League 2 as Champions so stick it Port Vale!
I normally cannot watch people play video games but have taken a bit of a liking to what DAZN was broadcasting as far as an eEPL league recently.
(ALEX) That’s right! Scott and I ventured north for what Scott has labelled a S.I.T.T (Self Isolation Tour of Tohoko). We hopped from town to town in the region soaking up the northern vibe and checking out the local watering holes. Highlights of the trip include a trip to the grave of Jesus Christ (yes you read that right!) and an unannounced visit to the club office of Tohoko League club, Blancdieu Hirosaki. The General Manager who greeted us was bewildered by our presence to say the least!
Awesome!
Q. Where one of you in Okinawa back in mid-January? Maybe watching the training camps?
(TOM) Neither of us went down for it as we always found the training camp is best viewed from afar but we certainly eyed up the merch! The all black training jacket replaced one of my aging Man United jackets.
I could find a use for that MAN U jacket.
(ALEX) Me neither. I kept track of the goings on on the pitch but did not make the trip myself. I wouldn’t mind making the trip one year as there doesn’t seem to be anyone in the international J League community in attendance at the pre-season camps.
Hopefully the pre-season in Okinawa will get back to what it was in the near future as we have no idea how the remainder of the 2020 season will play out and how that will affect 2021 training camps. If you all do come, keep in mind that FC Tokyo sets up camp in the northern part of Okinawa near Okuma. Quite a haul to get up there. I went last year, belted out an FC RYUKYU!! as I strolled by the squad. Wife thought it was childish, I agreed, enjoyed it anyways.
Q. Please describe how you came to Japan, became a fan of the J league and in particular, FC Tokyo? I am always fascinated to hear how supporters, who live in areas with multiple football teams in close proximity to one another, settle on a particular team. I lucked out with FC Ryukyu being the only game in town as they say.
(TOM) Well this one is quite unique. I’ll let Alex expand from his side but for me I had done a high school transfer program to Tokyo and was keen to watch a match while I was over here so a friend from the Japanese school took me to an FC Tokyo game in 2004. Tokyo Verdy were also in the J1 but they were away the week I was free so I went to an FC Tokyo game instead.
We won 1-0 v Albirex Nigata and I took them on as my club and continued to track them back home while hoping EA would add them to the FIFA roster (15 years later finally!). I moved to Japan in 2009 and met Alex some time later when he and I worked together before I left to join another firm. We agreed to keep in contact via lunch every now and then since our offices were still close by.
On one occasion it just so happened we decided to discuss Japanese football and who we “followed” or had supported. The answer was the same in FC Tokyo to which Alex mentioned he was a season ticket holder and I should consider coming to more games, which I quickly did – yet immediately regretted – as we proceeded to not score a single goal at home for the second half of the 2018 season (must be a J League record).
I wonder if @J1tokei could let us know if that last line is true?
(ALEX) Mine is a familiar story for many expats who have attached themselves to a J League club. Having grown up following a team in England, a football shaped void appeared in my social life after moving to Japan. I have spent the majority of my time here in the capital living in the west side of the city in FC Tokyo hot spots such as Shimokitazawa and Kichijoji.
After taking Japanese lessons from a private teacher that supported the club there was enough of a reason for me to get along to a game and support the local team. My first game was the last game of the 2014 season at home to Yokohama F Marinos. The game ended 1-1 but the electric vibe in the stand behind the goal pulled me in and left me thirsty for more.
The 2015 season couldn’t come quick enough and I had my season ticket arranged well in advance of the opening game. In around 2017 at one of our occasional catch up lunches, Tom and I discovered we are both fans of the Gasmen. We quickly made plans to go to a game together. With time we formed a group of extended friends and we now have a sizable fan family of both international and local FC Tokyo supporters.
That is good stuff. I too would like to build up a large following of international and local fans for FC Ryukyu matches but understand that it takes a bit of time, along with some timely results.
Q. I love the @FCTokyoKaiGuys twitter account as you guys can post some great stuff on there. Like the photo of Thomas passed out in the stands. Alex, how many beers did he have that day? 2? Maybe 3? And at what point in that match did he go down?
(ALEX) Ah what an afternoon that was. To say Tom turned up looking worse for wear that morning is an understatement. I met him in central Tokyo at 11am and he was still drunk from the night before. (Impressive)
(TOM) I will never be able to lose that video! I had got the green light two days prior from the misses to go to this game and have a night out on Friday with my colleagues. I showed up on maybe 2 hours of sleep and immediately went the hair of the dog route with a few Guinness
(ALEX) We set off for Urawa and Tom thought it would be wise to drink off the hangover. Unfortunately, 1 turned into 2, 3, 4, 5 and before long we are out cold in the stands with the crowd in full voice.
(TOM) Second half was more lively but Alex refused to video that! I have evidence of his own unfortunate times but am keeping them for a better day!
(ALEX)As Tom says, he did pull himself out of it and was relatively back to normal for the second half. However, he was away with the fairies for the entire first half. He didn’t miss much though (Typical Tokyo).
Gentlemen, I am not above reproach as I’ve done this on occasion at a Pittsburgh Steeler’s game.
Q. On a serious note, how did you two get together to spawn the idea of creating a Twitter account dedicated to FC Tokyo in English?
(TOM) We had discussed it since that lunch when we first found out we both supported the same club. We noticed a lack of spoken English content by the club in either direction as well as things to do on match days so we started the @FCTokyo_En account to help bridge that gap.
Unfortunately, we got flagged for impersonation (oddly enough 1 week prior to the ACL Playoff game v Ceres Negros) and the Twitter following we had built up was all but lost as a result. We definitely find ourselves on the funnier side of things and we were really looking forward to this season as being more colorful.
The @ASRomaEN and @ASRomaWomen administrators really supported us as we had supported their efforts and they in turn appreciated our banter. @FCTokyoKaiGuys was always our endgame and we felt the 2020 season was going to let us do just that. We weren’t aiming for Arsenal Fan TV humour bruv, but were looking to show the fun we have on match days and reactions afterwards.
Ahh, Arsenal TV. Love that stuff.
(ALEX) Exactly as Tom says. For a team representing a capital city there is a noticeable lack of English content and assistance for international football fans visiting or living here. We decided to launch an account that would cater to the needs of non-Japanese speaking fans and engage with like-minded J League fans in a fun and informative way.
Alas the presentation of the account was too close for comfort to the official channels of the club and we were flagged for impersonation. We have now re-branded ourselves and will be using design work of our own creation. With an account that is fundamentally unofficial and independent of the real thing we are able make unbiased opinions and analysis.
I think that is a very important statement Alex. Too often we get scripted answers, or information, released from the J-League clubs and we never have a true sense of what is occurring inside and around our favorite teams.
Also,impersonating an official FC Tokyo English Twitter account seems odd considering one didn’t exist at that time. To which I think they only introduced the @FCTokyo_en account this year after they were able to pry it away from you guys.
Seems the club wanted that name all to itself and you guys paid the price. From what I see most J-League clubs’ English Accounts end with that _EN so I guess no one was creative enough to come up with another variation.
(TOM) I think we paid the price for what we’re seeing now as a more international push by J1 teams. Some had described us as “flying too close to the sun” but we have always maintained our difference in that we want people coming to FC Tokyo games to have a good time and being able to understand their surroundings so they don’t get lost like so many people when they come to Japan.
We were fortunate enough to speak with @PerthGloryFC after our “re-branding,” who had shown appreciation for our approach in helping their fans, so as a result we have since formed a friendship with their fans and look forward to paying them back for tagging our Hachiko with a Perth Glory scarf (@Nicoooo94 we haven’t forgotten!).
(ALEX) Yes, it was unfortunate when all our work when to waste without so much as a warning or instruction from either Twitter or the club.
I researched the possible reasons for how this could happened and wondered if it was because we used the official club crest?
Was it because we were using the @FCTokyo_EN handle?
Or was it one of the few salty tweets that slipped through the filter?
In the end it seems that the club simply did not want us to have a handle that could deceive many into thinking we are the official English language account. Twitter rules state that you cannot simply claim the handle of a suspended account and now the official one is @FCTokyo_eng with @FCTokyo_EN in limbo until the end of time.
I have spoken with the administrator of other unofficial J League team accounts and it seems other clubs handle these disputes differently. For example, the admin of the Shonan Bellmare English account was contacted directly by the club who requested they change a few things in order to distance themselves from the official platforms of the club and it’s trademark. I believe this to be the correct approach as he is still pumping out interesting content with the world in the loop of the goings on at Bellmare.
Well said. At the end of the day, people are hungry for all types of content from their club. Of course we can all post stuff from time to time that is emotionally charged but a more proactive approach by clubs -instead of a one size fits all – could only benefit these teams by increasing their exposure.
I think your cautionary tale is great advice for those of us out there seeking to advance the image of our teams and our brands.
Q. Can you provide a brief history of FC Tokyo and some of the watershed moments in their history for the non-FC Tokyo fans?
(TOM) Prior to 1999 the club was known as Tokyo Gas but wanting to become professional, they couldn’t be corporately named (similar to Germany) so they took on the name FC Tokyo. They are still primarily owned by TEPCO aka Tokyo Gas.
Unfortunately, FC Tokyo were relegated to J2 once but as a result of that demotion, we are also the only club to have won the Emperor’s Cup as a J2 team and gain promotion by stomping the J2 competition that year. We’ve won the League Cup twice but unlike our baby blue friends in Kawasaki, we don’t care to show it (stick with 2 stars boys!)
YES! Was hoping for a little fire in the direction of Kawasaki after their initial assault.
(ALEX) Tom has it covered here but I will add a little more depth to the history. Tokyo Gas Soccer Club actually started back in 1933. As you might have guessed the playing staff mainly consisted of employees of Tokyo Gas and affiliated companies. The aforementioned group of conglomerates eventually came together in 1998 and formed the Tokyo Football Club Company. We were promoted to the J1 for the first time in 1998 and 1999 was FC Tokyo’s inaugural year.
I’d like to see/read more on the history of Football here in Japan as I am fascinated by the ages of some of these clubs and want to know more about what league existed prior to the J-League and what teams have risen and fallen. Think I’ll need to get into contact with @JSoccerMagazine with these questions.
Q. Much like I asked Neil over at the FrontaleRabbit Blog, in order, who are the most heated/hated rivals of FC Tokyo? Name one that is slightly unexpected.
(I’d also like to add, that was an impressive spectacle to witness the FC Tokyo vs Kawasaki Frontale match last season when the Kawasaki supporters were in full voice and then the massive FC Tokyo supporter end came into their own. It gave me chills.)
(TOM) I don’t want to be reminded of that game because at the time it was the biggest game of the season and we didn’t show up for it. I took a lot of stick that night because my oldest had only missed one game prior to that (when we lost to Kobe) but since she was unwell I decided not to bring her and paid the price. (Her record last season is only 1 loss, 2 draws, and included a 12 game win streak in all games she’s been to).
Bit of a good luck charm there!
That said, the home game v Kawasaki was unlike anything that season; the intensity, the buildup, their form was on the up, everything pointed to a great game…and we whiskey di@#$% it (Tom means to say that FC Tokyo had a very limp performance that evening). Even the final game versus Yokohama F Marinos was nothing by comparison as a lot of people who went to that game were neutrals while the Kawasaki Frontale fans were in full voice that day. Greatest atmosphere to a J League game I’ve experienced.
(ALEX) In recent times Tokyo have struggled to find a genuine hated rival. If you ask any long-term FC Tokyo fan, then the go to answer is likely to be Tokyo Verdy. With them trailing down in J2 for the past 10 years or so it is difficult to predict when we will next see a Tokyo Derby, although it is plausible in this year’s Emperors Cup should Verdy win their regional representative match and get past Avispa in the next round.
Love that subtle dig about Tokyo Verdy!
The derby with Kawsaki Frontale, dubbed the “Tamagawa Classico”, has more history than most think. Back in 1998 we leapfrogged them to promotion to J1 on the last day of the season and the bitterness between the two sides had begun. Usually these games receive sell-out crowds and as you mention, the two sets of fans never fail to disappoint. Personally, I would add Urawa to the list as they are seen as something of a “bandwagon club” of the Kanto area. Every game with them is very high octane both on and off the pitch and they never fail to bring the intensity. Similar to the Manchester United of the 1990s, they are the team you love to hate.
Q. I was surprised that I did not see any of the two teams’ fans ‘interacting’ outside the stadium prior to the match that day. By interacting, I mean loudly talking trash to each other or even a bust up.
I am getting used to the fact that many of the Japanese fans here are very respectable to one another. If that were the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns game, there would have been plenty of ‘fan interaction,’ as well as fisticuffs, occurring outside/inside the stadium.
Personally, that’s probably a good thing, but have you guys ever witnessed any violence in or around the football grounds here in Japan? Or even Asia for that matter?
(TOM)Well if you walk from Fuchu station to Ajista that will happen! (Ahem!) Alex introduced Neil to me prior to the match and we had a few beers before the game. I think one of our mates @NiallDevine ended up on a Frontale vlog and gave them the word “shitehouse” before the game (Perfectly described us on the day to be fair).
I think you’ll find that common with most Japanese rivalries. Coming from an MLS Cascadia Cup heritage (Seattle, Portland, Vancouver) even though we dislike the other club, we’ll still have a pint with the fans before or after the game. We did the same with the Yokohama F Marinos fans prior to the final game of the season and I think it’s beneficial in that we’re here to enjoy football and give you stick if your team loses but you’re still a mate at the end of the day.
The head of the Everton Japan group is also a Kawasaki Frontale supporter who is a stand up guy whom I’ve met both before and after matches on a few occasions. I have nothing against him, just the color of his club (Neil mentioned this before as an anti Man United thing well I’m the opposite! Manchester is red!!)
Are there any Arsenal Fans out here??? That is good stuff Tom, I too enjoy the fan interactions prior to and after the matches. More so if FC Ryukyu win.
(ALEX) Simply put, football just does not have the relevance in Japan as it does in Europe or the Americas. Teams are not aligned to certain political or religious beliefs and a hooligan scene has never harvested here. A day at the game is enjoyed as a friendly outing with tribal passion orchestrated in the stands. There have been some instances of trouble at games, but we can safely say there are no organized groups that look for it. The respectful and humble culture of Japan is reflected at the football.
Sums it up perfectly.
Q. What has been the best match you both attended as a FC Tokyo Fan?
(TOM) As painful as it is, the best match I’ve attended was that Tamagawa Classico last year. Everything about it was perfect except the result. Thankfully I got smashed that night and quickly forgot the result.
That is a dangerous, yet completely acceptable, coping mechanism Tom.
(ALEX) Well I doubt Tom remembers much of the match he mentioned. For me it is probably the aforementioned Urawa away game. Not for Tom’s comedic value, but the events on the pitch. Urawa are our biggest bogey team and I think it has been around 7 years since we last beat them.
On this day Tokyo put in a solid performance and took the lead in the second half with a Diego Oliveira goal built up by Takefusa Kubo. We dominated one of our biggest rivals and it was a clear sign that Tokyo had turned a corner. We narrowly drew the game 1-1 but the performance served as an example of things to come for the season.
It is hard for me to say who the ‘Bogey’ Side is for FC Ryukyu. We’ve been bounced twice from the Emperor’s Cup by then non-JLEague side FC Imabari on PKs but recently it feels more like JEF UTD Chiba as they’ve blanked us for three straight games the past 2 years.
Q. It must be quite the experience to watch FC Tokyo throughout Asia when they compete in the Asian Champions League. Where have you boys been to see FC Tokyo outside of Japan?
(TOM) Well this is where I’m pissed at COVID-19. I wanted to do the whole group stage abroad with FC Tokyo but COVID-19 has completely wrecked those plans. Alex was lucky enough to go to the Ulsan game while I held on to the pub scene in Tokyo but I’d be lying if I wasn’t jealous of that experience. Hypothetically, should we make the final and have to travel to Saudi Arabia, yes I will absolutely be there.
Alex, you made it to the Ulsan match in Korea just prior to their COVID-19 outbreak there? Did you experience any issues upon your return?
(ALEX) Yes, I have followed Tokyo to both Korea and China. The last time we qualified for the ACL, back in 2016, I traveled to the Jiangsu Sunning game in Nanjing. The city is a few 100 kilometers west of Shanghai and can be reached easily by bullet train. Whilst we don’t see the same party atmosphere at ACL games as we do with continental matches in Europe or the Americas, there is an enhanced feeling of togetherness between the fans that attend. Everyone raises their voice that little bit louder when they are on enemy ground.
Ulsan was also a great away trip and I actually managed to catch up with one of the K League United guys, Dan Croydon (@DolsotDan). Dan showed me around the town and even treated me to some great bulgogi beef! He gave me the lowdown on the fan scene in Korea and what the big rivalries are etc. At the game the vibe among the Tokyo fans was electric and we made ourselves heard in the stands. Reports from back home suggested that we were in fuller voice than the home fans!
Q. Alex, what did you think of that stadium? I’ve been there twice for an ACL game and the food was great -and cheap- in the college area near the stadium. To me the fact that it is located far away from the train station and since no cabs pass in front of the stadium it made getting to the game and back home a bit challenging. Thoughts?
(ALEX) Yes, it is a little inconvenient, but you can access it relatively easily from the nearby student town. There are several tunnels under the main road that will lead you there. The park and lake at the side of the stadium are worth checking out too. Luckily Dan played tour guide that day and made sure I didn’t get lost! Maybe you didn’t have such a luxury on your visit.
Correct, I was solo for both trips and to be honest, had a few beverages in the VIP car on the way down from Seoul so didn’t care too much. I did like the Ulsan stadium but didn’t see the tunnels. I walked the streets from the town to the stadium each time. Damn that hill man!
Q. Getting back on track, FC Tokyo came close to lifting the shield last year but fell just short. I am sure that it stings losing the title to a local rival in Yokohama F Marinos on the last day of the season but that was a serious hurdle you would have had to overcome with the goal difference ratio. What are/were the prospects heading into 2020 for FC Tokyo?
(TOM) We came into the game needing to win by more than 4 goals. We have scored 4+ goals in 2 games that entire season and ironically one was v Marinos when we won 4-2. We’ve made some good signings this season with our “O tridante” leading us. ACL qualification? Yes I expect it since we’ve added depth. Will it happen? Likely not since that’s the life of an FC Tokyo fan.
(ALEX) Yes 2019 was a tough pill to swallow. However, I would say that the pain was gradual rather than sudden as we could see it slipping away several weeks out. As for 2020, we have indeed added some depth with Leandro and Adailton coming in. Our new 4-3-3 system suggested that we would be moving away from our mundane counter attacking strategy which would perhaps endear to the neutrals who enjoy free flowing football. We are still solid at the back and it is looking like we could do some real damage in the league again this year. It is too bad that our flow has been interrupted. Some things are more important than football though.
Very true.
Q. Talking about the return of football seems trivial at times with all that is going on in the world these days but I did want to ask you both, what was it like last year when FC Tokyo went on a massive road trip due to the Rugby World Cup? If the J League season returns around the time the Summer Olympics were due to start, FC Tokyo will have yet another 8 (?) game road trip this year. Maybe that will be changed but that is a bit ridiculous as I’ve never seen that anywhere in any other sport.
(TOM) It’s unheard of. Yokohama F Marinos didn’t compromise by playing at a J2/3 stadium. With the Olympics now postponed to 2021, who knows what to expect. We got the fair play award last season because we went on our trek. Our record during that 8 game trip wasn’t half bad either; we lost the games we thought we would (Kashima), we got absolutely robbed in Tosu (Offside, handball, Offside in that order) but in the end, 2nd place which was our best ever result. Absolutely propped me up for the season ahead. I love this club because it thankfully has the right shade of blue with red.
You are so lucky to have so many rivalries so close to home. Guess now i’ll need to interview @stuartcw for the champs perspective.
(ALEX) On paper, the long road trip was grim to look out. Before the season had even began there were some of us that were convinced that it would signal the downward turn in our season. However, it turned out be less of an obstacle than we thought. We were 2nd place when we started the road trip and we were 2nd when we came out of it. The fans really got behind the team and the main Ultras group came up with a few unique chants that referenced being away from Tokyo for so long. The club had the right idea by handing out special flags for the occasions and getting the fans worked up for what turned out to be a largely favorable string of results.
Making lemonade out of lemons as they say. That would’ve been a heck of a fun run for away games to attend. Cheers to those fans that attended every single one last season.
Q. Is there any talk of FC Tokyo getting their own, football only, stadium in the future or are they tied to the Ajinomoto?
(TOM) This has been a long sticking point for the club and the supporters. The club has come out and said “We’ll we’re looking at options” meanwhile Keisuke Honda’s commented on the day wants to build a stadium in Shibuya. Honestly, I don’t see it happening unless there’s some serious push. We may end up in the new National Stadium which wouldn’t be too too bad for me (travel time would be extremely short) but having seen the Emperor’s Cup Final there, it’s such a distance to the pitch that it makes Nissan Stadium look pitch side.
I recall watching a video where some of the architects of the larger football grounds in Europe discussed researching how many people you can realistically pack into a stadium that will have a view (good view) of the game. An extra 50 yards between the ground and the stands doesn’t help, that is for sure.
(ALEX) This has been a big talking point among the FC Tokyo faithful for years now. There have been occasional rumors of the club moving to the Olympic Stadium after the Olympics or perhaps a new soccer specific stadium in Yoyogi Park. There are some who feel that the club could have more of an image if it moved closer to central Tokyo.
Then we have the traditionalists who feel that a move away from west Tokyo would leave behind the long-term loyal fans who head west on the Keio line after the game. Central Tokyo might be too much of a journey for fans from that demographic, particularly those in the older age brackets.
I need an overlay of teams and their supporters on a map of Tokyo to better understand the battle lines between clubs. Anyone got that handy?
Q. Prior to the start of the season, there was a lot of angst among those teams fans whose kit manufacturer, Nike, made carbon copy away kits for clubs in the same tier of the J-League. How do you guys like the FC Tokyo kits for 2020?
(TOM) Could not be happier. I think Alex and I each have the home kit. In fact, I type this while wearing the league kit. Last season’s kit was a half heated attempt but I feel Umbro did a good job this season with both our league and ACL kits.
(ALEX) I have never been a fan of Umbro kits and there haven’t been many FC Tokyo kits I have been keen on. However, this year I am more than satisfied with the designs they have come out with. The fabric is much thinner and it is something you can actually play football in. I have the ACL home kit and will go for the away one once the season starts again.
At least you can wear the kits! I feel like i’m stuck in the never ending story with my search of a 4L/5L FC Ryukyu kit.
Q. How often do you guys bump into any of the FC Tokyo players around town? Or any professional footballers in Tokyo?
(TOM) Rarely if ever. Alex has more stories to tell on this.
(ALEX) I have bumped into some of the players from overseas around Kichijoji a few times. The club owned apartment for foreign players is located near the station so there is a good chance you might bump into someone around Inokashira park on weekday.
The most notable encounter I had was in Ebisu after an Emperors Cup Semi Final in 2016. I dropped into the 7/11 near the station before having a few pints in the footnik and bumped into our captain Keigo Higashi and now Marinos midfielder Kota Mizunuma. The pair were at the checkout and the clerk didn’t seem to recognize who they were.
Keigo seemed noticeably upset by this and he was very firm in announcing his credentials as a “famous J League player”. I interrupted and spoke with them both about the days game and the years season. I think I inadvertently bugged them up a bit as a random foreigner had just recognized them.
That’s good. I had a similar encounter with Koji Suzuki last season. Albeit, on the day he was transferred out of FC Ryukyu to Cerezo Osaka. I stopped in a Family Mart and saw him getting an iced coffee. I think he sort of recognized me from home matches and was kind enough to have a chat and pose for a selfie. Every other person in the store had no idea who he was, and that is a shame for these footballers here in Okinawa.
Q. I’ve done my best to get the word out about all the many twitter accounts, or blogs in English dedicated to Japanese clubs, as there is so much great content and we just aren’t getting enough from the team’s, or J-league’s, websites. What are some ideas you guys have been mulling over with @FCTokyoKaiGuys? A website in the future perhaps?
(TOM) Honestly, we’ve looked at how we can interact with fans. Not like Arsenal Fan TV, but like Arsenal Fan TV, in that we enjoy the company of our fans and want to share that experience with people wanting to catch a game in Tokyo. Of course we also open our accounts to anyone looking to speak with us before the game and we’re happy to meet Tokyo fans from all over the country and world.
(ALEX) We have had a few ideas such as match day vlogs or a website where we would post all our videos and pictures along with useful information about the club. We have also discussed a short podcast that would deep dive into the highs and lows of the season and other topics surrounding the club. We will have to wait for the return of the games before moving forward with these ideas.
This isn’t the first time the idea of a V-Log has come up. @LakerByNature also mentioned this in the last entry so I think I’ll need to explore this idea the same way you guys are for future matches.
Q. How often are you able to get together with any of the other English tweeters/bloggers/podcasters around Japan to watch matches?
(TOM) I am jealous of this a bit but Alex is a regular on the podcasts but he is more knowledgeable for the subjects so it is warranted. He’s a regular on @JTalkPod and I would highly recommend listening to that podcast regardless if he’s involved…probably better if he isn’t.
(ALEX) I do the rounds with many international fans within the community. I try to arrange a pint with anyone who comes to the Ajista and I always check in on the other guys when travelling to away matches. There are some interesting characters far and wide across the league and its always a pleasure to touch base and exchange ideas.
Yeah, it is a good time.
Q. I can see in your photos on twitter that you guys always have a good time when you go out to see FC Tokyo. Describe the match day routine for you guys?
(TOM) Easy as my oldest (4 years old) comes with me for every home game unless she’s sick or a typhoon is coming. I have to give props to XFLAG for really doing a good job with pre game activities by creating “Ao-Aka Park”. She has been collecting rewards from their games for over 2 years now. Once my Daughter has done her routine, we meet up in the “Ao-Aka Park” drinking area to have a few beers, catch up, and look forward to the game.
I’d like to know more about this park as I think something similar could be created here in Okinawa for all the young FC Ryukyu fans. Also, I love to hear that you make it a family day at the grounds. I try to as well but need the assistance of the wife so she can deal with the kids losing interest within 30 seconds after kickoff which then allows me to focus on the match.
(ALEX) Short answer; it depends if Tom is with the little one or not. He has regular routine with his daughter to make full use of the fun activities and amenities located around Aoaka Park pre-game. If he is off the leash, then the chance of a few beers pre, during and post-game are highly likely.
Onto the rapid-fire round
Q. Drink of choice here in Japan?
(TOM) Beer, not craft specific so let’s say the Ao-Aka Brew on Match Day.
(ALEX) Nama (BEER). Doesn’t matter the brand. Just as long as it’s cold and served from pump.
Q. Best food item(s) at your current location? Shameless plugs are encouraged, with URL links as well!
(TOM) I’m all about the yaki niku so tip of the cap to Niku Azabu https://nikuazabu.com/stores/nishiazabu
(ALEX) I don’t think they have a URL but there is this gyoza and beer joint on my street here in Shimokitazawa. Great for the start of a night out.
Q. How hard was it for you two to assimilate to life in Japan since your arrival? What has made the transition easier?
(TOM) I got lucky and married a wonderful Japanese woman who I may have convinced this was a better life for her. We married in the US and moved here immediately afterwards. She’s my Konami code by a long shot. Living in Tokyo is nothing like living in the stick of Japan however, English is everywhere and you can go days without needing to speak a word of Japanese.
(ALEX) For me, the best way was to get out and socialize as much as possible. Football is a great platform for this as you can integrate with like-minded people instantly.
Q. What other sports and teams do you guys support/follow?
(TOM) I’m Canadian so obviously a hockey guy. But generally speaking, I enjoy sports unless it’s Liverpool winning the league or that Aguerrooooooo moment but that’s why we love sports for its unpredictability.
You must love the YNWA song pre-FC Tokyo matches then. LOL.
(ALEX) Tom is much more diverse than me here, but I have been to many a Baseball game during my time here in Japan. Interestingly enough, we support rivaling teams in the NPB league. I am a Tokyo Giants fan while Tom follows the Hanshin Tigers. Other than that I was all over Rugby when the World Cup was on.
Nice. I love the Chunichi Dragons as that was Tom Selleck’s team in the iconic 90’s film, Mr. Baseball. (Taught me all I needed to know about living in Japan before I got here)
Q. Neil did well to offend many supporters and clubs during his interview on this blog. I wholeheartedly support that notion by the way as a little bit of healthy trash talk makes for some good banter. I think you have addressed that throughout but do either of you care to cast any more shade on any other teams around the J-League?
(TOM) I always look to Neil’s twitter feed for a good laugh. His comments pre-game can be hilarious even if the team is on a winning streak. I feel like Kawasaki Frontale will add a star on their kit like Gamba add candies to theirs, while Kobe added one for their Emperor’s Cup, it just looks terribly bloated and demeans the whole purpose. Urawa is another one you can add to that list with their ACL stars combined with a smaller single star? You don’t see 5 stars on our kit!
Some people prefer the single shot with precision impact. Tom on the other hand, prefers the Gatling gun approach in order to water the field with bullets. Love it!
(ALEX) It is hard to imagine any positive statement coming from Neil. Kawasaki Frontale could win the quadruple and he would still call for the managers head. I am more interested in our matches with Urawa. I am looking forward to the day when we hand it to all those Reds fans that possess a Tokyo postcode who only follow them as they are the “biggest club”. Its shame their trophy cabinet is almost as bare as ours though.
Not adding anything that could detract from that powerful statement.
The platform is yours boys!
(TOM) Can’t thank you enough. FC Ryukyu are my next favorite J League Club. I was scheduled to go to a match last season but sauna/beer priorities prevented me from attending. I have family in Naha and we look forward to FC Ryukyu making it to the J1. This gives me a secondary reason to get down there! Thanks for reaching out to us as this has been great fun!
(ALEX) The pleasure is ours! Its great to get some more content out there in these trying times. We will be looking out for FC Ryukyu and their endevours this year. Let us know if you make another trip to Ajista and we will make sure you are sat with the correct fans.
LOL ALEX! Would love too.
Well, it was an absolute pleasure, thanks guys. Please stay safe boys during these trying times and once again, you can find Thomas (@tpen18) and Alex (@Abishop32) on Twitter @FCTokyoKaiGuys for everything FC Tokyo.
ryukyuarmy.com 