'Legendary Japanese' Nagatomo Yuto's surprise appearance with four children eating bungeoppang (fish-shaped cakes) turns the press conference room upside down... "Almost dad's genes" T-shirts draw attention

*This content was translated by AI.

Defender Nagatomo Yuto (40, FC Tokyo), who set the unprecedented record of being the first Asian player to appear in five consecutive World Cups, held a special press conference.

Japan's "Tokyo Sports" reported on the 17th that "Nagatomo's wife, broadcaster Taiwa Ai, and their four children made a surprise appearance at the end of the 2026 North, Central American and Caribbean Cup Japan national team selection press conference held in Tokyo, heating up the atmosphere on site."

Nagatomo shared his thoughts immediately after being selected for the Lee Nal (CEO) team. He said, "I contacted my wife first right after the roster announcement," adding, "She cried with joy, and we exchanged thanks and encouraged each other to keep working hard together in the future."

The highlight of the day was the bouquet presentation ceremony. Four children, wearing couple T-shirts with the phrase "Almost dad's genes," appeared on stage together with their mother Taiwa. The media reported that "Nagatomo, a rough warrior on the field, immediately broke into a bright 'dad smile' at the sight of his children."

A cheerful incident occurred right after the commemorative photo session. The eldest son expressed regret, saying, "Is it already over?" before vigorously raising both hands to elicit a response from the press corps.

The media noted, "He looked exactly like his father, who was famous during his playing days for his energetic play and passionate ceremonies. The press conference room was filled with the loudest cheers and laughter of the day due to the eldest son's impromptu action."

Watching this, Nagatomo softly muttered, "The genes are really no joke," drawing laughter from the.

Earlier, Nagatomo also drew attention for shedding hot tears when news of his teammates' elimination from the North, Central American and Caribbean Cup Japan national team final roster was announced. According to a video released by FC Tokyo on the 15th, Nagatomo bowed his head and wiped away tears when the name of Tanaka Ao was called by coach Hajime Moriyasu in order of age. This was because he sensed the elimination of key resources Minamino Takumi and Mitoma Kaoru.

Nagatomo conveyed his determination, saying, "I know the desperation and regret of the juniors I played with on the national team, which is why the tears came out. I will carry their burden and play on."

With this, Nagatomo has set a record by appearing in five consecutive World Cup finals from the 2010 South Africa tournament to this North, Central American and Caribbean Cup tournament. Having played in 142 A-match games, he enjoyed his prime at prestigious European clubs such as Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and Marseille.

After concluding his European career in 2022 and returning to his original club FC Tokyo, Nagatomo demonstrated his sharp skills even at an age nearing 40, earning the deep trust of coach Moriyasu.

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*This content was translated by AI.