INTERVIEW
Kashima Antlers
Youth Coach Takuya Honda

 

Winning the 2025 J Youth Cup. Behind this success lay a coaching philosophy that emphasizes a clear distinction between "on and off," unlocking the players' minds and drawing out their growth.

What was the journey to reaching the summit? We asked Kashima Antlers Youth coach Takuya Honda.

 

—Congratulations on winning the 2025 J Youth Cup. Looking back, how do you feel now?

Thank you. Looking back, I truly feel that our "strength in our daily routine" was everything. When we lost to Kashiwa in the 1st round and the conversation turned to goal difference, I decided that we just had to go all-out to score. We used many players in the matches against Akita and Yamagata, kept scoring, and from there, the momentum shifted completely. Even against opponents like Tosu and Hiroshima, who were physically strong and had players born early in the year or over-age players, our boys were truly tough. Their confidence, built through daily training, never wavered in the national tournament.

—Did you feel a difference in how "well-trained" your team was compared to the level of the national tournament?

It was completely different. In particular, our performance didn't drop even after long-distance travel. Even in the 110 minutes of the final, we played with an intensity that didn't seem like we had traveled just the day before. I believe that everything we had built up, not just in the 90 minutes of the matches but from the preparation phase beforehand, truly showed at the national tournament.

—What was the reason for building such a foundation?

The summer was major. Focusing on the players who weren't playing in the Premier League, we did a lot of physical training and high-intensity training with the ball. Playing matches, then training the very next day... The players who endured that cycle and clawed their way up became the foundation of the team. That summer was a turning point.

—This was your first time managing a final. Were you nervous?

Not at all. I was more nervous when I was a player (laughs). As a manager, you're just sending them out onto the pitch. I was able to send them out with confidence. Because of everything we had built up over the past 10 months, I had a sense that we had done everything we needed to do.

 

 

A coaching philosophy of creating "on and off." A mindset that also translates to "switching gears" in defense

—This year is your first as a manager.

That's right. I didn't manage in Gifu either, so this is truly my first time. I've been doing it since the latter half of the Premier League, and it's been a great experience for me. This time, too, we had core players, so I felt reassured. Our double-pivot of Rui (DF 6 Rui Onuki) and Yuwa (MF 27 Yuwa Fukuoka), and Kohki (DF 22 Kohki Kurahashi) who returned from the national team. These three were rock-solid in the middle, and they were truly reliable.

—What points do you emphasize in your daily coaching?

Making the distinction between "on and off" clear. It’s impossible to be focused for all 90 minutes. In practice, when it's your turn, you do it properly. It's fine to even smile a bit while you're drinking water. But once you enter possession drills, you tighten up, focus, and go in hard in duels to win the ball. I am thorough about that switching of gears.

—Has that been your thinking since you were a player?

Yes. Some managers say "stay focused the whole time," but that's impossible. Even in a match, you have a break at halftime, don't you? You have time to relax there. Since that's how I was, I want my players to be able to switch gears, too.

—Did you feel a change in the players?

I did. At first, it felt like everyone was constantly wearing a serious face, but midway through, the Prince League members started showing smiles during breaks in training. I think they became naturally capable of switching on and off. However, there are some players who are always "off" (laughs), so I give them a sharp word to switch back on.

—The pressing from the front and the combativeness in duels, which are typical of Kashima, were impressive.

Even there, it wasn't a case of "go for everything"; we were clearly organized about where to go and where not to. The FW would apply pressure to steer them toward the sidelines, and once the opponent entered the area where we, as a team, had decided to win the ball, we would flip the switch all at once. That switching of gears had parts that were linked to my normal "on and off" philosophy.

—You also value the distance in your communication.

When necessary, and only as much as is necessary. Not getting too close, but not leaving them to their own devices either. I am always thinking about that balance. When I was a player, Manager (Toninho) Cerezo told me he "expected much from me" when I was struggling with an injury. The warmth and the distance of those words are things I incorporate into my coaching now. I make sure to communicate constantly, telling every player both the good and the bad clearly and equally.

—Do you also explain the reasons when you leave a player out?

I always do. When I was a player, I had the experience of being left out without being told why, and that was truly tough. If you're told the reason, even if it's just one word, you can move forward toward the next step. That's why I evaluate everyone fairly and always explain the reason. I value this.

 

FW 47 Tatsumasa Fukuda, who earned his opportunity after his daily efforts were recognized by Youth Coach Takuya Honda

A title won by not overlooking effort and providing opportunities. The changes brought by victory and the road to the treble

—The first half was a frustrating sequence where you couldn't score. How did you view it?

Fuku-chan (FW 47 Tatsumasa Fukuda) kept taking them on, and while we were mixing in long balls, the opponent was bothered by it. We were creating our own rhythm, so I thought it would definitely change if we could get one goal, but a final is a different beast, isn't it? The parts where we couldn't score became a good lesson for us to work on next.

—You suddenly started Fukuda in the final.

He was truly excellent in the latter half of the season. He had a presence even on the opposing team in internal scrimmages, and I saw him working on his own at morning practice, putting in the effort day by day. Including that attitude, I thought, "Let's give him a chance." He produced results, so it must have given him confidence, and I think it communicated to the other players that "I am watching your efforts."

—The principle of competition is also working in a healthy way.

Yes. Just because you played once doesn't mean your spot is secure. In development, both taking someone down a peg and building their confidence are necessary. There are times when it breaks my heart. They’re working hard, but depending on the opponent, I might use a player of a different type. However, I explain the reason for that properly and get them focused on the next match. Because this is the high school age, a period that is so delicate, it is necessary to face them with care.

—What do you think this victory meant to the players?

I think it was huge. In a tournament regulation where early-borns and over-age players are not used, the under-17s went head-to-head and won. It must have become a great source of confidence for the players.

—Do you actually feel a change?

I do. Even in the Premier League match against Kawasaki F, Ryutsuki (MF 30 Ryutsuki Miyoshi) started and played the full match following the final, and as a team, even when we were caught, we were able to turn it around. It's proof that their strength is steadily increasing.

—Expectations are rising for the first-ever treble.

So many people have supported us, and we've been able to secure two titles so far. As we aim for the treble, if you could come to Saitama Stadium, the stage of the final, the players will be able to give even more. We would be happy if you could share in the moment of winning the title together.