Even in difficult situations, his strong desire to win remains unchanged. Although they lost 2-3 to Yokohama F･Marinos on April 25th, Takuro Kaneko 's play was eye-catching. Adapting to the team's tactics, he showcased his different strengths in every part of the pitch, from right to left and to the center.

In the 28th minute, with the score at 0-1, the moment Hirokazu Ishihara received the ball on the right wing, the battle of wits inside the penalty area had already begun. He didn't miss the opportunity when the opposing marker was preoccupied with the ball.

"I think it was a good move to get behind them, disappear from their line of sight for a moment, and then get in front of them."

The timing of his dive to meet the cross was perfectly synchronized. Ishihara delayed his attack by a beat, delivering a fast, curving ball, which was almost exactly what he had anticipated. He slammed the ball into the net with a twisting diving header, sending it rippled in the goal net.

"I made good contact with the ball, and the shot went exactly as planned."

His second goal of the season was a skillful equalizer. In the second half, he worked even when he was moved to the left side instead of his usual right wing. Instead of his trademark cut-ins, he created opportunities with sharp vertical runs. Utilizing his natural speed, he drove down the wing and delivered crosses with his left foot. Although he posed a threat to the opponent, he reflected on the game with a grim expression.

"If we don't score a second and third goal early in the second half when the Reds are controlling the pace, the game will end up like this. We created chances, but we should have finished them there. I think that's our weakness."
　
He suppressed his frustration and didn't avert his eyes from the reality before him. However, not everything was bad. He had found success playing on the left wing and in the center, and he quickly shifted his mindset.

"I think changing positions will be a good option going forward. It will be difficult for opponents to adapt to. My style of play changes depending on whether I'm on the right or left. I think it's good to change it depending on Trial."

He's showing even more outstanding performance this season than last season. This is evident from the official J1 League data for 2026. His expected goals (2.4), an indicator of the probability that a shooting opportunity will result in a goal, and his total shots (25) are both the highest in the team. His total dribbles (53) are more than double that of second-placed Matheus Savio (22), making him the undisputed number one. Yet, what's frustrating is that this isn't translating into results for the team. His goal tally is also disappointing.

"I feel like I have to score in every Trial."

This season, he's not just staying wide on the wing, but intentionally increasing his runs into the center. His purpose is obvious: goals to lead the team to victory. He knows the value of scoring goals better than anyone. He joined Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo from Nihon University and rose to prominence because he produced easily understandable statistics. In 2020, his second year as a professional, he scored 4 goals, and the following year he recorded 7. In 2023 he scored a career-high 8 goals and moved to GNK Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. His scoring patterns are also diverse. He can score with his left foot after cutting inside, with long-range shots, and with through passes, he can score in any situation. The foundation for his success was built at Nihon University. I remember talking to him at a training ground in Tokyo when he was still a university student.

"I practice shooting relentlessly, simulating actual Trial. I practice shooting from one-on-one situations to develop my strengths. I think about what it takes to become a professional. I don't blame the environment or other people; I believe that if I keep doing what I can, I'll have a chance."

During his third year of university, he played in the Tokyo League, which was essentially the third division, and in his fourth year, he struggled in the Kanto Second Division League, steadily improving his skills. He never gave up in the face of adversity, believed in himself, and kept shooting, and as a result, Kaneko is where he is today. Currently, the Reds are on a seven-game losing streak, including a penalty shootout loss. They are in an unprecedented predicament. If you give up, you won't see anything. The 28-year-old, who has overcome many hardships, seemed to be feeling this acutely.

"Even in these circumstances, our fans and supporters come to cheer us on at every Trial. We have to get results. We want to fight with the determination to win the next Trial no matter what."

On April 29th, they will once again be playing at home in Saitama Stadium, facing a formidable opponent who defeated them in an away game. Kaneko scored his first goal of the season against Kawasaki Frontale, but the disappointment remains, and he is determined to score the winning goal next time. There is no sign of waning in the fighting spirit of this left-footed player who has never forgotten his tenacious fighting spirit.

(Interview and text by Masayuki Sugizono)