#43 Dreams entrusted to his unbreakable WINGS
I will try to translate another article into English again.
This one also is for the families of Kubota Spears players from overseas.
Takuro Takahashi,
the key man of the breakthrough that only fans know.
- A dream entrusted to his unbreakable wings.
Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay (hereafter referred to as "Spears") has had a solid season, and is currently in second place.
If one were to ask who are the key players behind the remarkable progress of Spears, what names would come to mind?
Some would probably say players who have played in past Rugby World Cups.
Some might point to the young players who shine brightly at every match and create a buzz.
But we Orange Armies know who are essential to their success in the game.
They are the members, who are not nominated in the game lineup, called the "Wings" since this season.
I interviewed one of them, Takuro Takahashi, on one sunny day when I felt like putting on my spring clothes.
Through "23 Questions", I tried to peel off the real face of Takahashi who has an aesthetic sense.
Accumulate small successes to get into the game
1. What is the atmosphere like in Spears these days?
It is amazingly good.
Of course, the team's performance is good, so along with that, the quality and the atmosphere of practice is also very good, the members who haven't played in a game are never rotten, and when Matsui (Takenori), who hasn't had a chance to play in a game for a long time, is suddenly promoted to a game member, everyone says to him, "Go! I am cheering for you!”.
We are able to practice in such a very good atmosphere.
2. What are your current goals and daily challenges?
My goal is completely "getting in the game".
The daily challenge is to make each small success against the big goal of "getting in the game".
For example, to put it very plainly, I would like to review in practice what I couldn't do the day before and keep making small, small successes, saying, "If I do it this way".
For example, to put it in a really simple way, I would like to keep making small and small successes, such as reviewing in practice what I couldn't do yesterday and saying, "If I do it this way".
3. Do you gear up when you participate in a match?
The physical preparation is much the same.
For example, in my case, I hardly gain or lose weight, and my weight is constant all the time.
I would really like to have a little more, but my current best weight has basically stayed the same for a year.
If there is something that bothers me about my body, I am always ready to address it immediately.
Takuro Takahashi
-Birthday: December 26, 1991 (age 30)
-Born in Gunma Prefecture
-Height: 182 cm / Weight: 86 kg
-High School: Meiwa Ken-O High School
-University: Chuo University
-Team: Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay (joined in 2014)
-Position: Center
With few opportunities to participate
4. What was your most memorable play in a preseason match?
In the past few years, I have often played as the reserve member, but when we played against Kyuden Voltex in Beppu, I was selected as a starting member.
So I raised my soul.
I remember one of my toimen(*1) was a large foreign player, and in the last one play of the first half, when the ball was about to be turned outside from a lineout (on the opponent's ball), I boldly stepped forward and made a tackle.
I couldn't knock him down with a single shot, but I got in just in time and the ball, which the opponent tried to offload(*2), rolled off the touchline to end the first half.
This tackle that ended the first half was a very good role for me as a center.
-What had been going on up to that point?
The other team had a lot of offloads. If I didn't take a shot at them, they would connect with me and sometimes I would get passed.
That game was a time when I was able to take the game to the next level, mentally and physically, without being biased one way or the other.
*1: A opponent player in the same position.
*2: A pass while being tackled.
5. What are preseason matches for you?
The preseason match is a big stage and a competitive game for the Wings, who have not played in recent games.
I remember the article written about Hideto Kondo in which he said something that he couldn't appeal to the coaches because he didn't finish well enough for the match.
I think everyone is trying to make a strong impression in the preseason matches, and then go on to the season opener.
The game against Kyuden Voltex was particularly special because I was the starting member, and I raised my soul, saying, "I have no choice but to do it there".
6. Does the trust that the team has in you that they are watching you have an impact on your performance in the match?
Spears has a culture of "Honest Feedback," where honest feedback is given to each other, both between players and between coaches and players.
I used to take the stance that "they must be watching me", you know.
If you think, "I'm working so hard, I'm sure they're watching me," and then you don't make it to a match, you wonder, "What's going on? Why is that? I am doing so much!", do you?
Therefore, recently I have been actively asking Frans (Ludeke / Head Coach) about it.
-What is the impact of Honest Feedback on you?
There is an environment where anyone can say everything to me and be honest with oneself, anything like, "What do we need you to do to compete the game?", "What do we want to you now?", "This is what we would want you to do as a center.", as even when I can't play in a game, our coaches are watching each and every individual.
So if I ask, they will definitely tell me "what I am missing".
Because we are a team like that, even those of us who don't play in the games are able to keep our contribution and keep it alive.
In a team that is undergoing a generational change, Takahashi is a presence that can communicate with both the younger generation of players and the more experienced veterans alike (Takahashi is on the far right)
Approaching the moment of "Koga! Go!"
7. Please look back at the moment Koga Nezuka scored his Spears' first try in the preseason match.
At that time, we recognized a sign from the lineout for the backs to swing out wide, and I was running vertically as a decoy runner.
I was playing my role as a decoy(*) and the opponent was attracted to me, so I thought to myself, "If the opponent came this way, that means Koga is definitely open!", and I looked quickly to the side and saw that Koga had very open space in front of him.
I knew Koga was a good runner from practice, so I instantly felt in my head, "Koga should definitely go if he is going to get lost.", and I said, "Go, go, go!!", and It come in my mind, "Go by yourself, don't think about passing anymore!".
I had seen Koga's past performances and plays, and I knew that running was his strength, so I thought Koga would definitely be able to go.
I wanted him to go as hard as he could without thinking about passes or anything else, so I said, "Go!".
*: A player who runs as a decoy, pretending to receive a pass. Dummy runner.
8. What do you keep in mind when welcoming new players?
Off the field, I try to talk as much as possible not only about rugby, but also about aspects of my personal life.
Of course, if they ask me about signs (related to playing), I always try to be ready for the game so that they don't think that I don't know something because I haven't played in the game, and as a senior player, I am ready to teach them anything immediately.
9. What do you keep in mind as a person who is trusted by senior players and admired by juniors?
First of all, as a rugby player, I try to take practice seriously.
As my style has always been a "zero or hundred?" attitude, so it is impossible for me to cut corners a little bit during practice.
I can't cut corners in practice, saying something like, "because I think I might get hurt" or "because I'm not feeling well".
I would be happy if my junior players could see me giving my all in practice, and I never want them to think that because I am a veteran I am losing strength and can't run, so I don't want to give the impression of being a veteran.
I don't see myself as a middle-generation player, but I do try to make sure that the younger generation doesn't become stuck with just the younger generation, and I try to mix the various generations together in conversation.
Nezuka and Takahashi support each other in a tackle during a preseason match against Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo on November 13, 2021
Changes in the team along with the results
10. What was your impression of Spears before joining in?
When I was in elementary school, I had got a Spears flag for cheering for Spears when I watched a game held in my hometown of Gunma, and I had it displayed in my room at my parents' house.
Since I was in elementary school, it wasn't that I liked, was a fan of, or wanted to support Spears, but rather that I was just thinking, "I got some goodies from a Top League team! Yes!".
Then I decided on the Spears, and my only impression was, "That's the team with my flag.".
I used to go to the local team's games in Gunma, but I didn't have any other Top League team merchandise besides that flag.
I still have that flag on the wall of my room in my parents' house.
11. What was your impression of Spears right after joining the team?
I thought everyone was mature and a top player.
I didn't have any seniors or anyone I knew on the team, so I joined the team in a pretty uneasy state and felt distant at first.
Looking back, it wasn't really like that, but I was so anxious that I felt intimidated and had an aura about me.
12. What changed the most during your tenure?
As far as I feel, the atmosphere of the team has changed the most.
At first there were some seniors on the team that I had never talked to before, but I don't think that is the case with today's teams.
Maybe it was because the positions are too far apart..., but now we talk in mini-groups(*), and I think everyone talks to each other, whether they are from the older generation or the older generation closer to the younger generation.
The only people I would go out with on holidays when I was fresh were my peers.
To be honest, I'm a little envious of the younger people who have joined the group in the last few years.
-Did those changes happen at a specific time? Was it a gradual change?
Yes...I think it is linked to the results.
There were some changes, such as foreign players joining the team, but I think that rugby doesn't change that much just with reinforcements, and it doesn't suddenly become stronger because you bring in someone.
When Frans arrived, we started in 12th and 11th place, and as our results improved from there to 7th place, the atmosphere of the team became very good.
In a good sense, I think there is no hierarchical relationship, and there is an environment or atmosphere where anyone can say anything they want from the bottom up.
We play rugby with our best, and when we are off the field, we are having fun in a friendly atmosphere.
-Do you think that each member fulfills your own role and that a relationship of trust is established there?
These roles are not dictated by "you are the leader, so you should do this," or "you are about this age, so you should do that," etc., but each person does things voluntarily, and I think this creates a good atmosphere that comes naturally.
*: One of the team activities in which players and coaches are divided into several groups for various confrontations.
13. Have there been any changes in playing style of Spears?
Team-wise, things have changed since Slushi-san (Atsushi Tanabe / Assisstant Coach) arrived.
We have always had an "attacking mindset", from the "defend and protect" image we had before, to "attack from anywhere".
Instead of "When We're in our own area, kick and manage to exit." as if it were a rule, we have always been instilled with an awareness that there are various ways of option.
I think this has changed and is reflected in the rugby of the Spears today.
I think it is good rugby, even if I do say so myself.
-Every players of Spears are very skilled at passing.
Yeah, every my teammates are really good at it.
It doesn't matter if he's a forward (he's such a good passer).
-Is there a difference in practice?
(PR/Iwatsume: I feel that especially backs unit practice has become a lot more interesting at once. The speed, the technique, the vocalization, the skill of call out, it's all very interesting to watch.)
Yes, (even in practice) it's not just 3-on-2 or 2-on-1, it's rugby that we have to think about.
I think that is why people say, "Spears' rugby is interesting".
-The open practice (note: currently suspended) for the paid-up members of the fan club is also very popular.
Slushi-san doesn't talk to the fans or anything, but he deliberately goes up close to them and practices right in front of them, which is very chic.
I am sure that the land of Gunma(*) must have fostered that kind of coolness (lol).
*:Coach Tanabe and Takahashi have something in common: they both have ties to Gunma Prefecture.
His aesthetic sense shines through in his private life
14. What do you value as an athlete?
There is a training theory that says "The importance of training is 20-30%, the rest of importance should be emphasized diet and sleep.".
I believe that injuries are also connected to some extent.
I have never suffered from a separated muscle in my life, and I think it is because I pay more attention to food and am more conscious of water than most people.
I think it's not about eating meat or not eating meat, but as long as you eat good quality food.
I deal with my body on a daily basis, so if there is a small change, such as a slight pain or disorder, I think I am able to notice it immediately and approach it accordingly.
15. What is the latest hit dish you have made?
Yesterday, I made fried sea bream, and it was absolutely delicious.
I was so surprised by myself.
I cook everytime I come home earlier than my wife.
Yesterday, too, I decided to cook and prepare dinner, and at first I was going to make a bowl of rice topped with marinated sea bream sashimi.
I put sake and mirin (sweet cooking rice wine) in a pan and skimmed off the alcohol, then added soy sauce, kelp, and grated garlic.
At that time, I suddenly thought, "I don't want to get food poisoning", then decided to change the plan to just coat it with potato starch and deep fry it, and miraculously it turned out to be very delicious.
Please try making it!
Then there's meuniere.
Those have been a recent hit.
-It sounds like a definite recipe.
-I also thought the broiled cutlass fish you made a few days ago was a genius idea!
Yeah, that was good too!
It was a little bit eel-like.
When I pounded and cut it, it was just like hitsu-mabushi,finely chopped broiled eel, though I didn't prepare the dashi, Japanese soup stock.
Come to think of it, it was delicious, too, in my opinion.
I think it was also a hit dish.
16. What is your favorite item you bought recently?
Maybe clothes are better.... (he said this and went off screen to look for them...)
-Any genre is welcome.
I just want you to take a look at this, I'm intensely addicted and collecting so much going on!
This is... craft beer!
(Showing labels) I collect all the labels like this.
It's great to be able to enjoy not only the taste, but also the design, and to be able to preserve it.
I found a good store.
Although I've never made the mistake even when I looked at the label and bought one based on the jacket, If I tell the knowledgeable manager what I like, he can tell me what is perfect for me.
It is also good that they also give me the best possible discount on shipping costs.
17. Is there anything good about Spears that only you would notice?
Is there such a thing? (lol)
No, I think there is nothing only I notice...
Something only I am aware of it...
I may be able to say I'm the only one who notices that the nutritionist changes the menu only for me because I have this kind of (plant-based food-centered) diet.
-I see veggie food being incorporated into team meals as well.
-I feel that this is a symbolic event, where you are interested in and willing to try the initiatives of your peers.
By the way, it just so happens that today's team meal also included soy meat in the stir fry.
Everyone knows what I eat, so they may think, "This is what Tak was talking about! ".
Perhaps such an atmosphere may make it easier to adopt a plant-based diet.
18. What do your fellow VEGENGERS(*) members mean to you?
As a premise that they are top athletes in their respective sports of course, to put it simply, although they are people who are what people would call "go-getters", they have high consciousness and antennas up in a great many places.
I was able to confront what I eat every day and reconsider my eating habits.
For those of us whose capital is our own bodies, they give us all kinds of information about what we eat on a daily basis and make us realize many things about ourselves as we listen and talk about how we should feel as athletes and about the problems we face as top athletes.
While they are like friends for me, I have great respect for them.
They are people I respect more as people than as fellow athletes or athletes.
*: A group of athletes who follow a diet centered on plant-based foods, gatherd transcending the boundaries of competition.
19. Who has influenced you the most?
Well, I wonder who it is...My wife, I guess!
I feel that a married partner should not be just an extension of a lover, but a relationship in which we can always help each other grow.
In that sense, my wife is someone who gives me many opportunities to think.
She thinks and uses her head a lot, and makes me realize how little I think about things, so I respect her.
We talk about trivial things, and I am influenced by her every day.
-My impression from social networking is that you are a highly sensitive couple.
I hope so.
As a player, I think there will be a limit one day, but as a person, I want to keep updating and growing.
Of course, she is a complete stranger though she is my wife, so we have many different personalities and ways of thinking, but we talk about many things.
I think my wife is "really cool" rather than cute.
Group photo taken at the Kasai Rinkai Park East Nagisa Clean Operation in 2021.
Takahashi also actively participates in beach cleanup activities conducted by volunteer team members.
He says that since he started paying attention to his diet, he has become more concerned about environmental issues.
20. What is the most piercing thing your coaches has ever said to you?
I was vice captain in my senior year of university.
I had been playing in games since my sophomore year as a matter of course and kept thinking, "I'm the starter", but before the start of my senior season, I injured my back.
-It was a tough injury at a tough time.
I knew, by all means, that the other fourth-year members and juniors were better than me in terms of performance.
However, it was my last season as a university student, and I wanted to play it even if I had to push myself, and, to be honest, I also had a sense of pride in the fact that I had always participated as a start member and was allowed to be vice captain.
At that time, it was the time when I've moved up to my senior year of university and Hiroyuki Sakai became the new head coach.
Mr. Sakai was a tremendous entertainer and improved the team so much that we were able to finish the league in second place, even though Chuo University where I am from was always a middle-ranked team.
I think it must have been heartbreaking for the coach to remove me from game members, the vice-captain who had always played for the team, right after his new appointment, and I think it was emotionally tough for him to tell me that he was going to remove me from the list.
If it had been any other coach, I think he would have tried to cover it up, but Mr. Sakai also gave me the "Honest Feedback".
He told me to keep on raising my soul, and he gave me good reasons for not allowing me to compete, such as, "In terms of performance, because of this factor", or "Because of the condition of your back".
-That's the word you posted on Instagram the other day.
I thought the word "raise soul" was very much like me, and it stuck with me.
I am not a dexterous person in terms of personality and playing style.
I was practicing thinking, "If I keep on rolling, I'll get a chance someday," and I returned to the game at the last university championship, and that was the end of my university career.
I was practicing thinking that if I kept on raising my soul, I would get a chance someday, and finally I could return to the game at the last university championship.
I never get discouraged.
I never skip practice.
I think that is what is supporting my current feelings.
-That's a good message.
Shinsuke Nakamura, a professional wrestler, often says, "Let's raise soul!".
That's what Mr. Sakai has been saying to me.
He also told me to watch his matches.
I think that's why I didn't get discouraged when I got injured, and that's why I was able to train hard and not rot, and that's why I am where I am today.
For a long time, even now I am not able to participate in matches at all and have been in similar circumstances to that time.
But, I wonder I can be still trying to do my best even now because these words stuck with me and reminded me.
Thank you, Mr. Sakai.
21. What is the most memorable words from your teammates?
I have been here for eight years and we talk about many things, so it's hard to come up with a quick answer....
Ah, but! Oh, that!
I am quite close with Ken-san (Kenta Tanaka) who retired (in 2019).
Before Ken-san retired, it was difficult for us to play in games, and we worked together through many struggles and conflicts.
At Spears, we have a role to send parting gifts with message to those who are leaving the team.
I took on the role of sending to Ken-san, then, I received some message from him on the night:
"I know it's frustrating that you haven't been able to participate in the games and I understand how you feel, but just do what you have to do as Takuro always do and you'll be fine! The only thing left to do is to keep standing on the field, no matter how painful or hard it is. No matter what it is, you can only do what you can do now, so don't regret it. Takuro, you will get your chance for sure!"
He said something to me that gave me confidence and courage.
He also told me,
"Takuro, if you join the list of game members, I will definitely fly there! Impress me at that time!"
I knew that Ken-san was a person who did not want to be seen as weak.
So, I thought that since he could no longer play rugby for Spears, I would do my best to carry on his thoughts, his soul, and Kenta Tanaka-ism for him.
That remains.
Takahashi also addressed Mr. Tanaka on behalf of the current players at the 2019 retirement ceremony.
As a "Proud Billboard"
22. What is the good thing about being in the company business?
Even though Top League have become League One, not all of us are professional players.
There are people who have supported me since I joined the company, and there are also workplace fellows who support me and Kuma (Katsuya Okuma) , who works in the same department after I was transferred.
They talk to us about rugby, and the week after the game they talk about the content about it.
At Spears, we have a policy of "be Proud Billboard", and in talking with workplace fellows at our company, I feel that I am able to do so.
23. What do you think is the most attractive aspect of Spears rugby?
I think that in the last few years, in terms of offensive ability, we have been getting better and better.
I think that the reason why people have come to call our rugby "fun rugby" is because an attacking mindset has been instilled in everyone on our team, regardless of forwards or backs, and we have become a team that can score points from anywhere.
I think that is one of the attractive point.
Also, I personally like defense, and I think that the advancing defense that is synonymous with Spears is also appealing.
There are many times when they turn a turnover into a chance to score a try, so I think defense is also attractive.
Takahashi continues to run on the field today.
I was impressed by his attitude of being honest with both himself and his opponents, choosing his expressions and speaking his thoughts frankly.
Takahashi says he feels the support literally directly from the direct messages on SNS.
I want to see him overcome one hurdle at a time, stand on the ground of League One, and play an active role raising his soul.
It was a day that made me vow once again to continue to support Takahashi, who I am sure is practicing with all his might today in order for Spears to become even stronger.
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