Ryo has spoken of his pride at returning to his home town, Nagoya, on this summer’s Asia Tour.
The Japan international is due to fly out to the Far East with the Arsenal squad on Thursday for promotional activities, training sessions and games in Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan.
But it is the chance to play in front of his family and friends against Nagoya Grampus on July 22 that is the real highlight for the 20-year-old .
"Japan is my country so I’m really looking forward to going there. I’m very happy about it"
“It is my city, so it is exciting to return,” Ryo told Arsenal Player. “As an Arsenal player I’m coming home, so it is a great moment for me. I’m very proud.
“At the end of the season I was there for a month. It is not too big, it is maybe the fourth or fifth biggest city in Japan, and it’s quiet and has a lot of traditional things there. There’s good food and it’s a great city.
“Obviously a lot of people have been texting and calling me, saying, ‘I want tickets’! It is quite a good moment for me and I want to show my quality for everyone in Japan.”
Ryo's loan spell at Wigan Athletic last season was hit by injury but he is hoping to stake his claim for an Arsenal place while on tour this summer.
“I was injured for most of the time, so it was difficult for me,” he said. “I'm fit now, so if I get an opportunity to play for Arsenal I want to take it.
“If not, then I will [hopefully] have a chance to go out on loan. I have to focus on the tour and then we will see after that.
“Japan is my country so I’m really looking forward to going there. I’m very happy about it.”
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