Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the first Waseda-Keio Rugby match against Keio University in 1922, and the 100th anniversary of the Waseda-Mei Rugby match against Meiji University in the Kanto University competition. In this memorable year, the Waseda-Keio game was held on November 23rd (Thursday, a public holiday) and the Waseda-Meiji game was held on December 3rd (Sunday) at the National Stadium, a grand stage with a capacity of over 60,000 people. I will.

This year's rugby soccer club has the slogan "WASEDA FIRST." We asked captain Daisuke Ito (4th year School of Sport Sciences) and vice captain Hitoshi Nagashima (4th year School of Social Sciences) to share their thoughts on the Waseda-Keio and Somei games. We also asked the director, Taisei Suzuki (4th year, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering), about the four players to watch in the competition. This year, when you can cheer with all your might, let's give our athletes a big cheer at the National Stadium!

Waseda rugby aims to be ``WASEDA FIRST''

Daisuke Ito, 4th year, School of Sport Sciences
Captain, Standoff (SO), Center (CTB), Fullback (FB) From Toin Gakuen High School
Hitoshi Nagashima, 4th year student School of Social Sciences
Vice-captain/Flanker (FL) Graduated from Higashi Fukuoka High School

Captain Ito and vice captain Nagashima talk about this year's Waseda Rugby

--Please tell us the thoughts behind this year's rugby and soccer club's slogan, "WASEDA FIRST."

Our goal is for Ito-Waseda to become the best in Japan. We will focus on the first play after kickoff and the first tackle of the game. In order to do that, I have to be conscious even during practice as if it were a game, and in everything I do, I put Waseda first in my thoughts for the sake of the Waseda team. The word ``WASEDA FIRST'' that includes all of these was decided upon by the consensus of the 4th graders.

--Under that slogan, what are the strengths of this year's team?

Ito The point is that everyone can firmly commit to the idea of achieving this in the next match.

Nagashima Daisuke says, I really feel their "commitment power," and in terms of play, we have been working since the spring to strengthen the forwards' maul (a play in which both teams stand and push each other and compete for the ball). After summer training camp, we have started competitive games and are gradually seeing results, so it has become one of our weapons.

――Then, what plays are you personally conscious of?

Ito I just touch the ball a lot and get involved in creating chances. At the same time, I always try to keep moving and stand in areas where my team has empty spaces or areas that are likely to be penetrated, and continue to defend.

Nagashima Daisuke's greatest strength is his ability to carry the ball, which allows him to defuse situations. Even when the team is at a disadvantage and things are tough, I have high hopes that Daisuke will do something when he gets the ball, because we are all on the same field together. For those of you who come to support us, please pay close attention to the moment Daisuke holds the ball.

Personally, I'm particular about tackling. I think if I back off, the other players will also become negative, so especially in the first tackle, I just push the opponent to the other side! I approach the match with that mindset.

Ito Hitoshi's play doesn't seem to stand out at first glance, but it is the most important play for the team. I'm really grateful to the team.

The Waseda-Keio game is a turning point, and the Waseda-Meiji game is a full-fledged match

--The Waseda-Keio rugby match on November 23rd will be held at the National Stadium, as this will be the 100th time. I think the Waseda-Keio game will be even more special than usual.

Ito The match against Waseda-Keio  is a match in which we cannot win unless we show our true potential and do something better than that. Especially this time it will be held nationally. Unlike the familiar Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, there is a risk that the players will play differently due to the tension. It is also important not to get carried away by the atmosphere.

Nagashima I'm really happy to be able to play in this milestone year of the Waseda-Keio match, which I've been watching since I was little. Every year, no matter what ranking the two teams are in, the Waseda-Keio game is a different game, with each team competing against each other. That's why we want to prepare as well as we can and be in good shape.

--So, what are your enthusiasm for the match against Waseda-Meiji on December 3rd?

Ito Ito has been attracting attention since high school and has a larger body, but as a Waseda player, he is able to give 100% of his abilities. Just move forward knowing that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Nagashima The Waseda-Meiji match is a match that continues every year where you really don't know which side will win. I think this is a match where every mistake and every play becomes really important.

――In terms of the most important thing, many of Waseda's seniors played an active role in the World Cup that was held until the other day. Was there anything that inspired you?

Ito I was greatly inspired by the success of Nagata-san (Tomoki Nagata, 2022 graduate School of Sport Sciences), who is two years my senior. Watching Mr. Nagata struggle on Waseda's field, I was motivated by the necessity of trial and error during our student days.

The important thing is to do what you need to do now. Let's do our best in what's in front of us as we prepare for the Waseda-Keio and Waseda-Meiji matches, as well as the university championship! This is the mindset.

Nagashima In my case, it would be Mr. Shimokawa (Koshi Shimokawa, 2021 graduate School of Sport Sciences). Actually, we have been together at rugby school since elementary school, so I was happy and encouraged to join the team at the last minute.

Photo left: In August 2023, Osada became the mainstay of the national team due to his performance in the match against Fiji.
Photo right: Shimokawa (second from left) enduring the maul during the World Cup match against Chile in September 2023 (all photos provided by Kyodo News)

――Following the World Cup, attention has increased more than usual. Please give a message to the students who come to support you.

Ito ``Rugby is often thought of as having difficult rules,'' but it's rare to find a sport that simply involves people colliding with each other. You can enjoy the clash even if you don't know the rules. I would be happy if you could feel something from our desperate conflict.

Nagashima Unlike Baseball's Waseda-Keio game, I think some people don't know where to speak out. In fact, the fun of rugby is that you don't have to say anything anywhere. And when I'm on the field, I can really hear everyone's cheers. We hope you will enjoy the charm of rugby, which you will be drawn to once you start watching it.

I want you to support the players with a feeling of fighting alongside them.

Taisei Suzuki, 4th year, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
Supervisor Tamagawa Gakuen High School graduate

――Please tell us about your role as the rugby and soccer club manager.

The basic job is to prepare the environment for practice and games. I am also in a position to supervise student staff who are divided into various responsibilities, such as analysts and trainers, so I create daily schedules and consult with managers and coaches.

--I think you are in a position where you are looking at the entire team. From your perspective, what are the characteristics of this year's team?

In terms of play, the forwards have significantly strengthened. We are able to score tries in mauls and win in scrums every game, which is something we didn't have last year. Of course, the traditional ``Waseda of the Backs'', which uses the ground widely and specializes in quick passing centered around the backs, is still alive and well. We have players who are looking forward to the future, such as rookie Yoshitaka Yazaki (1st year, School of Sport Sciences, wing (WTB), fullback (FB)), and I think we have become a team that can score tries with both forwards and backs.

--Please tell us about the players that Suzuki is particularly looking forward to, along with your recommendations for each.

4th year School of Sport Sciences Standoff (SO), Center (CTB), Fullback (FB)
Daisuke Ito Graduated from Toin Gakuen High School

During his time at Toin Gakuen High School, Ito attracted attention as a star player who led the top high school team in Japan. Since joining Waseda, he has been plagued by injuries, but he has been doing well so far this year and has been involved in winning every match.

What's great about him is his ability to play multiple positions for the Bucks. His utility is truly amazing, as he played as a playmaker in the spring as a standoff, and now plays as a center. Among these, the ``run'' that breaks through the opponent's defense is a threat to the opposing team, and for Waseda, it is the moment when an opportunity is created. I think he is a truly indispensable player.

4th year School of Social Sciences Lock (LO)
Daito Hosokawa Graduated from Waseda Jitsugyo High School

His charm is contact. In tackles, there are many situations in which a player hits the ball low and knocks down the opponent, then the ball becomes his own and a chance is created. He also served as a captain during his time at Waseda Jitsugyo, and has the impression that he pulls on those around him with his physical play.

This year, in addition to Hosokawa, the efforts of 4th year forwards such as Taiga Kawasaki (4th year, School of Sport Sciences, Prop <PR>) will shine. I'm able to play with the pride I've had for the past four years. I think these mental factors are also contributing to the strong performance of this year's forwards.

3rd year School of Sport Sciences Scrum Half (SH)
Sena Hosoya Graduated from Kokugakuin University Tochigi High School

Hosoya is playing at scrum half this fall, but will be playing on the wing (WTB) until spring. That's why his speed and steps are outstanding. The scrum half has to handle the ball from crowded areas, so speed is a very important piece. In that sense, the characteristics cultivated in the wing are still alive and well. 

One more person, Yota Shimamoto (4th year, School of Sport Sciences, Scrum Half <SH>) is also worth watching. As a synchronizationWhile I want Shimamoto to do his best, it is also important for the team to push up from below. That friendly competition (Sessatakuma), I think the competition is a good stimulus. 

3rd year School of Sport Sciences Hooker (HO)/Flanker (FL)
Naoto Yasutsune Graduated from Fukuoka High School

Yasutsune played for the backs in high school and played as a flanker when he first entered the school. He is now a hooker, a rare player who has repeatedly changed positions. Perhaps because he was originally a backs, he has the ability to carry the ball, so we are looking forward to seeing him score from the maul. 

In addition, when he first entered the school, he started on the lowest team, but from there he gradually increased his reputation using his tackling skills, and finallyAHe is a player who has risen to the top of the team. His attitude of showing those around him that he can do it even from below is great, and he has a lot of trust within the team.

--This year, both the Waseda-Keio and Waseda-Meiji games will be held at the National Stadium. A message for the students who come to support us. 

The national stage is also a big motivation, but this year's match is the first time in a while that the ban on cheering has been lifted. Even if the players don't understand rugby, just hearing their name called makes them happy and gives them strength. 

Of course, you can just shout "Waseda!" or clap your hands. At Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, where the distance between the spectator seats and the ground is close, the cheers can be heard from the ground, but even in a large venue, the players can still hear their voices. By all means, let's have fun together on the stage of the National Stadium, feeling like we are competing together with the athletes! 

Interview and text: Naoto Oguma (Graduated from School of Letters, Arts and Sciences II in 2002)
X (old Twitter): @oguman1977
Match photo provided by: Waseda University Rugby and Soccer Club

[Next Focus Preview] “Gender Introduction Special” to be released on November 27th (Monday)