It has been about two months since he retired from professional play. Mitsutaka Nakamura is now embarking on a new chapter in his life as a school coach for the Antlers.

For a man who spent his life on the "playing side," the shift to the "teaching side" is no small change. Even so, Nakamura is gradually exploring a new way to engage with soccer, finding a sense of distance that is uniquely his own. (Part 1 of 3)

 

――Have you gotten used to life after retirement?

At first, it felt like a complete reversal of my life. The rhythm was so different from when I was an active player that it felt strange even physically. But I’m used to it now. It’s been a little over two months, after all.

 

――Since you stopped playing, has your perspective on soccer changed?

It’s changed tremendously. When you're playing, your primary desire is, of course, to be on the pitch and to make an impact. If I wasn't in the match, I’d naturally be frustrated (laughs), and I’d always have this feeling of, "Why isn't it me?" But now, I find myself naturally cheering for teams—the Antlers, of course, and teams that include players I’ve played with. Sure, there are times I think, "I could do that better" (laughs). But once it's over, it feels unexpectedly refreshing. It feels like I’ve reached a proper conclusion to my playing career.

 

――Did you experience any inner conflict leading up to your decision to retire?

I did. I always had this feeling that I "could still play." Until the end, it was a feeling I couldn't really put into words. But after announcing my retirement and talking with various people, everything just sort of fell into place naturally.

 

――Can you name a particularly difficult period?

During my final injury. I kept hurting the same spot over and over. I’d rehab, and just when I was ready to rejoin the team, it would happen again. That went on three or four times. That was the first time I ever cried alone. I thought, "I don't even understand my own body anymore," and it was the first time I felt, "Maybe this is it." Before that, I’d always had the attitude of, "I’ll just fix it and get back," but that time, something inside me kind of snapped. From there, the reality of retirement started to emerge.

 

――You chose the path of a coach after retiring. Why?

To be honest, I hadn't decided, "I am definitely going to be a coach." But I’ve only ever done soccer, so I knew I would likely stay involved with the sport in some capacity. In that process, I arrived at the idea of giving back, and I felt strongly about doing it with the Antlers. It’s the club that helped me grow and taught me so much.

 

――Why did you want to start with the school age group?

Because I thought it was the most difficult. In higher categories, I think it’s easier to get your own instincts and words across. But it’s not like that with little kids. It’s hard to articulate things, and it's hard for them to understand. That’s exactly why I thought I should spend my first year there. It’s not just the children; their parents have a lot of thoughts and feelings, too. I wanted to properly understand all of that.

 

――How has it been, now that you’re actually doing it?

I still don’t know. Honestly, I still don't know if I’m suited to be a coach. But I’m exploring it as I go. That said, the kids actually have good reactions. I don’t think I’m consciously trying to "convey" things that much, but I just speak naturally and demonstrate through play, and perhaps that’s hitting the mark right now.

 

――You were widely recognized as an instinctive player. Do you find it difficult to put things into words?

Of course. But I believe I have no choice but to convey my own instincts as they are. I don't think it would work to just copy someone else's words. In the end, I have to convey what I’ve experienced in my own words.

 

――How is your relationship with the other academy coaches?

I’m very conscious of that. I didn’t want to make things uncomfortable for everyone just because I joined. I’m not more important than anyone else; if anything, everyone else has more experience than me. I believe I have more to learn from them, so I want to keep things flat. In fact, watching the younger staff, there are many times I think they’re amazing. Their ability to get the kids excited—that’s what you call a "pro."

 

――Do you have a vision for the future?

I do have an interest in the top team or higher categories. But for now, I think the priority is to do this job well. I’m thinking I’d like to get my A-license. That said, rather than focusing on the same category forever, I have a desire to see a variety of generations.

 

――What is the one thing you most want to convey to the children right now?

My instincts, I suppose. Both my techniques and my way of thinking. It would be great if they could realize later, "Oh, so that’s what he meant." I’m not asking for any returns. I just want to properly pass on what I have done. That is all.