[Urawa Reds: Chronicles of a Passionate Stadium Vol. 5] Thoughts Infused into Four Stories
I have always been chasing the existence of fans.
I feel that the place where that passion is maximized is the soccer stadium.
Among them, the supporters of the J.League's Urawa Reds are said to be the best in Japan, or even the best in Asia. The "We are REDS!" cry they let out
That shout connects with their feelings and has caused many miracles.
This time, I have written about these miracles under the theme of "firsts."
1. The day I first saw the Reds was the day Urawa Reds first won
A piece I wrote while recalling the match 30 years ago when I first saw Urawa Reds play.
J.League tickets were called platinum tickets. Moreover, it was against Verdy Kawasaki, which was called a star-studded team at the time. I wrote about how I lined up overnight to get one, and how I headed to the stadium feeling exhilarated.
And then, from the "big hand call" that shook the stadium, a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout!
If anyone sees a match like this, they will definitely become a fan.
It was also Urawa Reds' first league victory, and it became a memorable match that led to who I am today.
In the final part of this piece, I summarize it in my own words like this.
30 years since then.
J.League clubs have been established all over Japan, and wonderful stadiums and supporters have increased.
Many dramas and miracles have occurred in stadiums, and I believe they will continue to occur. And the passion of the fans and supporters who witnessed those moments rises, and a vortex of enthusiasm erupts.
That overlapped with the identity we possess and became a one-of-a-kind existence.
I was the same.
Since that match, I became a captive of Urawa Reds.
I started buying Urawa Reds season tickets and began going to away games.
I started living in Urawa.
I applied for an idea contest to increase J.League fans and was able to win an award.
And I have continued to think about the feelings of fans and supporters, and how to raise and spread them, which has led to my current job.
That is also thanks to that one ticket.
Thanks to choosing that ticket...
The "day I first saw the Reds" became the "day Urawa Reds first won."
And for the 30 years since then, I have been able to spend days that make my heart leap.
Thank you.
And...
We are Reds!
2. The "first match" where Urawa Reds supporters returned to Saitama Stadium
You can shout, jump, and clap to your heart's content.
At the moment of a goal, you high-five and hug the people around you.
Such ordinary things could not be done in the stadium for these three years.
In the midst of that, I looked back on the time when the J.League was suspended due to COVID-19, went through remote matches without spectators, and finally had its first match with spectators, based on an article I wrote at the time.
I have ensured that the situations and complex emotions that could only be written at that time are conveyed as they were. Even when I read it, it is content that makes me tear up as I remember those days.
What I want you to see in this article is the photo of the stadium.
In your entire life, this might be the only match where you encounter a stadium like this.
When you enter the stadium, you are surprised by the spectacular view.
Every single seat in the stadium is covered with a colored vinyl sheet, dyed in the red, white, and black colors of Urawa Reds.
In soccer, there are allies and there are enemies.
Defeating those enemies has always been the ultimate goal.
However, there is now an even greater enemy.
To defeat this greater enemy, we must fight a total war, including fans, supporters, players, staff, and even cooperation with other clubs.
It might turn into a long battle.
Even so, let's not rush, but trust those around us and keep cheering.
Because that passionate stadium will surely return.
3. The 'Red Devils' I saw at Saitama Stadium for the first time and the 'Red Devils' that appeared again 15 years later
The AFC Champions League semi-final against Jeonbuk Hyundai in August 2022 and the AFC Champions League semi-final against Seongnam Ilhwa in 2007.
Both were historic, intense battles, and both featured penalty shootouts that showcased the power of the supporters.
While exploring the commonalities that transcend time, I depict the tingling tension of the stadium.
Furthermore, I not only added actual videos to the article but also included the cheering songs that echo through the stadium at the beginning and end to convey the atmosphere of this match.
The efforts of the players who ran until the very end in the extreme heat were also wonderful.
Moreover, it was a victory seized by everyone—staff, supporters, ball boys, and all—uniting their hearts to cheer and fight.
This day became a historic night where the club's desire to become Asian champions connected across 15 years of history.
And there, I found the image of the passionate stadium I had been chasing all along.
The 'Red Devils' I saw at the stadium for the first time and the 'Red Devils' that appeared again 15 years later.
It will surely remain in the memories of those who love Urawa Reds and be passed down.
4. The day I saw a miracle at the stadium for the first time
I will never forget November 19, 2000.
The final match of the J2 League. A match where we absolutely had to win to return to J1.
The players, myself, and the surrounding supporters all fought desperately.
And then, overcoming an absolute crisis, the miracle V-goal was scored in the second half of extra time.
The stands were a mess of tears of joy.
No matter how many years or decades pass, the trajectory of that shot is burned into my eyes like slow motion.
Also, in this piece, I introduce the notes of people who wrote about this day in the same way, so please read them.
Neither the players nor the supporters had given up on the match. We will definitely score a goal in this extra time.
We will decide the match. Such passionate thoughts enveloped Komaba Stadium.
I didn't want to shed tears of frustration in this stadium for two years in a row.
And finally, everyone's thoughts created a miracle!
First half of extra time, a free kick for Urawa Reds.
The ball hit the opponent and spilled out in front of player Dobashi.
Dobashi picked up the loose ball and took a long shot. The shot drew a large arc and was sucked into the net.
Whoaaaaa. Uwaaaaaa.
No one could even speak anymore. The screams echoed throughout the stadium and the city of Urawa.
Urawa Reds had decided the victory with an extra-time V-goal.
At the very last moment, we were able to secure our return to J1!
Thoughts behind 'The day I saw the Reds for the first time'
I read through the four pieces again.
The intensity in every piece is so high that even I, the author, am surprised.
But the intensity of a soccer stadium is even higher.
I hope to continue writing about those passionate stadiums on note.
I want to convey this to as many people as possible.
Thank you for staying with me until the end.
In this magazine, I write with the theme of increasing the passion of sports fans and creating stadiums filled with enthusiasm.
#Diary #Essay #Column #JLeague #Sports #Soccer #Supporter #Cheering #Fan #SportsMarketing #Stadium #UrawaReds #FanBase #TheDayIFirstSawReds
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