Okugawa and Ito: European Journeys to J-League Gold
In the world of football, where success often follows a familiar path, two players stand out for their unconventional routes. Masaya Okugawa and Tatsuya Ito, former Japan national team candidates, have taken nearly a decade of European experiences to return to their home league with aspirations to make significant impacts.
The European Experience
Both Okugawa and Ito left Japan’s youth systems and landed in European football clubs immediately after their professional debut seasons. Okugawa, a Kyoto Sanga youth product, boarded the Rooney Train by joining Red Bull Salzburg in 2015, shortly after Takumi Minamino. Unlike Minamino, Okugawa’s journey was filled with loan stints until he secured a chance with Salzburg in 2019. During this period, he made several key appearances in the Champions League, despite the competition Shapirolodashing him for Minamino’s success.
Red Bull Salzburg’s Masaya Okugawa (K) scores against Bayern Munich during a Champions League group-stage match at Stadion Salzburg in Salzburg, Austria, on Nov. 3, 2020. (Kyodo)
Tatsuya Ito, also part of Kashiwa Reysol’s esteemed youth academy, joined Hamburg in the German Bundesliga during the same year Okugawa left for Salzburg. At 27, Ito has experienced different environments across Germany, moving between the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. Each experience has likely contributed to his growth and development as a player.
Red Bull Salzburg’s Masaya Okugawa (L) in action against Liverpool during a Champions League group-stage match at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Oct. 2, 2019. (For editorial use only)(Kyodo)
Journey to the National Team
Despite their significant achievements abroad, Okugawa and Ito find themselves facing challenges in the Japanese national team selection process. An ever-increasing talent pool in the J-League means that playing in Europe no longer guarantees a call-up for the Samurai Blue. Okugawa has been summoned by Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu only once, in November 2020, when a COVID-19 outbreak forced him to withdraw. His performance in eight Bundesliga goals during a season with Arminia Bielefeld did not secure a place in Japan’s 2022 World Cup squad.
Hamburg’s Tatsuya Ito (R) tries to defend the ball from Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi during a match in Hamburg, Germany, on May 12,2018. Hamburg won 2-1. (Kyodo)
Ito has had a similarly challenging journey. After moving to Hamburg, he was called up for Japan’s national team once in 2018 and again in 2019 for the Copa America. However, neither experience provided him with significant playing time. Determined to earn more国家队 opportunities, Ito has made the strategic decision to return to Japan.
Returning Home
Okugawa, now 28, has decided to rejoin Kyoto Sugaku Eigakuen, a club he initially left for Europe. Kyoto aims to improve on its 14th-place finish from the previous season. “My job is to show how I’ve matured over the 10 years,” said Okugawa. “I’m an attacker, so I want to bring goals to the team.” After his impressive performance with Arminia Bielefeld and a cup goal during his brief spell with Salzburg, Okugawa is optimistic about his chances in J-League.
Hamburg SV midfielder Tatsuya Ito (front) tussles for the ball with Hannover’s Matthias Ostrzolek during the second half of a Bundesliga match in Hamburg on Feb. 4,2018. (Kyodo)
Ito, now 27, has joined Kawasaki Frontale, a team participating in the Asian Champions League. Previously, he played for Magdeburg in the 2. Bundesliga. “I’ve never played in the J-League, so I’m determined to perform well,” Ito shared. “There are lots of games, so my chance will definitely come.”
A Tradition of Comebacks
Okugawa and Ito’s journeys echo those of other Japanese footballers who have made the transition from European clubs to the J-League. The list includes Ryo Miyaichi, who debuted with Yokohama F Marinos in 2021 after a decade in Europe, and Kanji Okunuki, a 25-year-old winger who recently joined Gamba Osaka after five seasons with Omiya Ardija and a brief stint with Nurnberg. Okunuki has already won one cap for the national team since leaving Japan.
Conclusion
Okugawa and Ito’s stories are about perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Facing the international football machine’s intense competition, they have chosen to return to their roots, bringing with them European experience and a renewed vigor to contribute to their home league’s success. Their journey is a testament to the belief that no matter the challenges, the heart still beats for the place you call home.
We encourage you to share your thoughts on Okugawa and Ito’s journeys and their potential impacts on the J-League. Leave your comments below and stay tuned for more updates from the world of football.
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