“I’ll give it my best as long as I’m with the team.” — Takemichi Nakano

On the 28th of November, Toyota Verblitz played a pre-season match against the Red Hurricanes Osaka at the Docomo Osaka Nanko Ground. Verblitz spent much of the match chasing the score after conceding early. They drew level at 26–26 in the 16th minute of the second half, but allowed consecutive tries from goal-line mauls in the closing stages, ultimately losing 26–40.

Among the players on the field was Takemichi Nakano, wearing the No.15 jersey. Having focused exclusively on sevens last season, he returned to Verblitz during the national team’s off-period following October’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series. His substitute appearance in the previous week’s match against Hino Red Dolphins was his first rugby union game of the season. Against the Red Hurricanes, he started at fullback, showing composure under the high ball.

“When you’re used to sevens, fifteen-a-side just feels like there are so many people on the field,”

he said with a laugh.

“But I’ve always taken pride in my high-ball skills even in sevens, so I think I was able to show a bit of what I can do.”

Speed is essential in sevens, but in recent years secure kick-off catching has become increasingly important, requiring more physicality. Nakano plays a role that demands both attributes.

“Playing the series last year made me realize that in my position, physicality has to be one of my strengths. I need to keep building fitness without losing that physical side.”

The Japan Sevens Development Squad will resume full training in January, but next season’s biggest target is the Asian Games in Aichi next September. Japan’s major rival is Hong Kong China. In the recent tournament in Sri Lanka, Asia Rugby Sevens Series, Japan reached the final but fell short, losing 7–12 and finishing runners-up.

“We want to beat Hong Kong China at the Asian Games and win the gold medal,”

Nakano stated firmly.

His goal and his target are both crystal clear. Once the season begins, life becomes hectic, with domestic camps and repeated overseas tours. For now, however, it’s a valuable period spent with his relaxed and trusted Verblitz teammates. While training with the squad, he will gradually transition his conditioning and preparation back into sevens mode.

“I’m a Toyota man. As long as I’m with the team, I’ll give my best. I’m getting a much clearer feel for the rugby this team wants to play. Being able to train and compete in different environments helps me grow.”

The rugby venue for the Asian Games—provisionally set—is Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium(Provisionally decided). Nakano aims to fight there with the cherry blossom emblem on his chest, return to Verblitz wearing a gold medal, and continue his journey forward.