[Sequel] The 'Real Reason' My Son, Who Loved Video Games, Got Hooked on Watching J.League Matches
I asked my son, 'Why did you start liking watching soccer?'
In my previous article, I wrote about how my son, who was obsessed with video games, lost his spark due to online troubles, and how I decided to take him to
watch a J.League match at the stadium to change his environment... (Here is the previous article ↓)
So, why did he get so hooked on watching soccer?
I asked him again.
My son's answer was, surprisingly, the 'chants'!
Me:
'Why did you get hooked on watching soccer?'
Son:
'When I went for the first time, the chants were amazing. I thought the sense of unity among the supporters was incredible! The 'Coffee Rumba' one was fun. Now, I like 'Arechibaare'!'
It was an unexpected chant preference.
He seems to have been unable to forget that sense of unity from cheering in unison with the people around him.
'Learning about the players made it even more fun'
When I asked further, he told me that as he watched more matches,
'It became more and more interesting as I learned about the players' plays.'
Son:
'At first, I didn't really understand the rules, but I thought Komori (the player) was amazing! He scored a goal without being afraid of getting hurt!'
Yes, the person who sparked his interest was Hiroki Komori, who was a college graduate rookie at the time.
He played a major role in J2 and is currently on loan to Sint-Truiden in Belgium.
He seems to have been moved by the professional attitude of 'scoring a goal even if it means getting hurt.'
From video game lover to FIFA fan! And now 'playing soccer for real'
My son was originally into battle royale online games.
But thanks to watching matches, he now plays the FIFA series with his dad!
He learned the names of players from all over the world, naturally became familiar with the rules of soccer, and his favorite players kept changing.
His current favorite is 'Issei Takahashi'!
Currently, my son is obsessed with Issei Takahashi⚽
The reason is simple: 'His dribbling is great! His technique is high!'
He is a notable player who recorded a national championship and scored in five consecutive games during his time at Aomori Yamada High School.
He is certainly a player whose play captures the hearts of elementary school students.
Before I knew it, my son had started 'kicking a ball outside'
My son, who was a complete indoor type, now
'kicks a ball outside with his friends, imitating the plays of his favorite players.'
I used to nag him, saying,
'Are you playing games again?!'
But now, conversations naturally arise about soccer.
Beyond just learning the rules, a spirit of fair play has started to appear in his daily life.
For us, the J.League is a savior!
Even if they don't play sports,
and even if they don't know the rules perfectly,
watching professional play at the stadium moves a child's heart.
The dedicated spirit of the players,
the sense of unity among the supporters,
and the excitement of the stadium.
Everything became a catalyst that gave my child the 'vitality to live'.
To all the players, thank you so much!
And, I am grateful for the 'real space' that is the stadium.
Moving forward, while enjoying J.League matches as a parent and child,
we will continue to support our child's 'interests' and 'growth'⚽✨