Junya Ito Opens Up About Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Return of Japan's National Soccer Team FWD: We meet the key man in the Moriyasu Japan squad in France after allegations of sexual misconduct were dropped!
Since the sexual misconduct allegations were reported during the Asian Cup in January-February of this year, Junya Ito (31) had been omitted from the squad. However, he made his return to the national team on September 5, resuming his place after about seven months in the World Cup Asian final qualifiers.
In the final qualifiers for the Qatar World Cup, he made a significant impact, scoring in four consecutive matches, tying the record for most consecutive goals in history, and contributing to more than half of the team’s 12 total goals. The return of “Inazuma Junya” is incredibly good news for the national team.
Even while away from the national team, Ito maintained good form at Stade de Reims in France’s Ligue 1. On September 1, in the third round of Ligue 1 against Rennes, he scored with a header, leading his team to their first victory of the season. He was highly rated with a team-high score of 7 (out of 10) by the prestigious French sports newspaper L’Équipe.
Revealing His Complex Feelings
The sexual misconduct allegations in question were dismissed on August 9 due to insufficient evidence. It is undeniable that this fact likely supported Ito’s return to the national team. When the French league season began, Ito first revealed his complex feelings.
–Do you feel relieved that the case was dismissed?
“No, it’s not over yet (Ito’s side is pursuing a civil lawsuit against the woman for damages). My feelings won’t clear up, but I think I have no choice but to do my best on the pitch.”
–You’ve been maintaining good form.
“Being in France allowed me to live quietly without stress. I haven’t been looking at the news online much; there’s no point in worrying about it.”
Ito joked, “There’s nothing to do besides soccer,” but he is grateful for the past six months in which he was able to focus intensely.
“There was also (Japanese national teammate) Keito Nakamura (24) in the team, and the club’s trust in me was supportive. My feelings for the national team haven’t changed.”
His responses remain as detached as ever. The speed that gave him the nickname “Inazuma” has not diminished; he reports no fatigue and an improvement in physical sharpness.
Will Ito, who became a savior by scoring consecutive goals in critical moments during the last Asian final qualifiers, lead the Japanese national team to the World Cup again?
From the September 20, 2024 issue of ‘FRIDAY’.
Interview and text by： Masao Kurihara PHOTO： Koji Watanabe
