Playback ’04] Shigeo Nagashima’s Passion for Athens… Four months after his emergency hospitalization, “Miracle of Rehabilitation”.

True to his word, Mr. Kato did gait training in his room and pedaled slowly on his aerobike with his right leg, which is still paralyzed, fastened to the pedals with a belt. He also received massages to loosen his stiffened joints, and worked hard on his rehabilitation. His appearance fully conveyed his desire to revive himself.

The room used for rehabilitation was a million-dollar condominium that had just been completed the previous year. The room where Mr. Akiko was staying was a three-bedroom, barrier-free apartment with a living and dining area of 19.5 tatami mats, priced at just under 200 million yen. The rehabilitation was being conducted in such a favorable environment, supported by Mrs. Akiko, Mr. Kazushige, and other family members. There was a plan to have Mr. Nagashima on the bench to encourage the players at the send-off games against Cuba on July 13 and 14, which would mark the start of Nagashima Japan’s tour of duty.

Mr. Kiro Osafune, chairman of the Japan National Team Organizing Committee, stated, “We hope to reach a decision around July 10 after consulting with the doctor. Kazushige is also discussing a concrete plan to have Mr. Kikichiro’s benching realized, saying, “We are also talking about having uniforms made that would not look funny even with his arm hanging up. Since Mr. Nagashima is the person who is closest to Mr. Nagashima, it does not seem impossible that Mr. Nagashima will be in charge of the team in Athens. However, one of the doctors in charge of his rehabilitation points out the dangers of going to Athens in his current condition.

The long plane ride and the change in atmospheric pressure can affect blood pressure and cause a recurrence. It is also doubtful whether the doctors will be able to establish a complete backup system in Athens. If possible, it would be best for him not to go to Athens, but to stay in Tokyo as an honorary director.

However, Nagafune was adamant that Nagashima Japan would go to Athens, and he categorically rejected the idea of appointing a coach other than Mr. Nagashima to lead the team. Is there no doubt that Mr. Nagafune will lead the team in Athens? In early July, just after the announcement of Japan’s national team members, this magazine directly interviewed Mr. Nagafune.