Spring Soccer Match Viewing

Previous Recap

“Would you like to join me for a soccer match?”

A sudden invitation. Is this fate...? The person I met this time was Danai Yamamoto, who writes a wide range of content on note, from erotic stories to creative fiction. Everyone, please check out his many interesting and worthwhile articles!

Now, onto the main topic.

This time, I watched the match between the team I support, Kawasaki Frontale and Machida Zelvia. The venue was Machida's home, Machida GION Stadium. Also known as the "Castle in the Sky", there is truly nothing around this stadium! It was so isolated I almost doubted it existed. It felt like the world of Harry Potter! I arrived three hours before kickoff.

Opening

Some might think it's too early, but the seats for this match were unreserved. Moreover, since it was a clash between the 2nd and 3rd place teams in the league, the unreserved seats on the Kawasaki side were sold out. A battle for seats was inevitable. Therefore, it was necessary to line up from the morning to secure a spot.

That said, even though I lined up from the morning, I ended up in a row quite far back... Everyone's enthusiasm is incredible! When the gates opened, the line started moving little by little, and I finally entered. I dashed as soon as I got in! I managed to secure two good seats.

Happenings and Determination

After securing the seats, my relief was short-lived... When I went to take out the uniform and towel I was lending to Yamamoto-san from my bag, the situation changed! The towel wasn't there...!? I rummaged through, but couldn't find it. Did I drop it...? I hadn't been wearing it around my neck today... I forgot it... My mood plummeted.

At this point, I was overcome with anxiety that we would lose today. The Kawasaki cheering style involves spinning towels when entering or scoring. That was part of my daily routine... What should I do... After agonizing over it, I decided to buy a towel. My old one was getting worn out anyway, so I made up my mind to buy a new one on this occasion.

A Heart-Pounding First Meeting

The time for my first meeting with Yamamoto-san finally arrived.

After brief greetings, I lined up with Yamamoto-san at a mazesoba food truck outside the stadium and we talked about various things. My impression was that he was a very kind, cool older gentleman. He said this was only his second time watching a soccer match in the last six months, and he also had experience playing the sport. He had wanted to visit the Machida stadium for a while. He told me that after reading my article about my whirlwind trip to Okayama to watch soccer, he wanted to go too, which is why he went out of his way to send me a tip and an invitation email.

What I found amazing was that he sends emails and tips to people he's interested in. When I told him that, he mentioned that he doesn't just leave comments or likes, but actually goes to meet people if he wants to talk to them. He has qualities that I at least don't have, and I thought it was truly amazing.

The Match and Impressions

The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Although Kawasaki took the lead in the first half, it was a tough game where they had to use two substitutions due to injuries and were then caught up. Furthermore, they conceded a comeback goal early in the second half and were pushed into a corner. This was the first time this season that they took the lead, were caught up, and then conceded a comeback goal. Even so, the players never gave up.

This match touched my heart more than usual. Even against Machida's arguably rough and wicked play, our players didn't flinch and fought desperately. I felt so proud watching them. That desperation bore fruit, and we equalized in the 70th minute! The moment we tied the game, the energy of the Kawasaki supporters' cheering reached itspeak. This is it! The moment when players and supporters become one. This is one of theaddictive aspects of watching soccer that I just can't quit.

I felt thatFrontale has this addictive quality.

Yamamoto-san was also incredibly excited about the equalizer, and I was relieved to see that, above all, he was having fun cheering.

After the match, we walked to the station, had a quick drink at an izakaya, talked about various things, and then parted ways.

After the match, we walked to the station, had a quick drink at an izakaya, talked about various things, and then parted ways.

When I'm alone, the number of people I can share my post-match thoughts with is limited, so it's really nice to have someone to talk to.

The result was a draw this time, but I'm glad we didn't lose. If we had lost, my mood would definitely have dropped, and I would have been depressed. I'm glad I didn't show that side of myself to Yamamoto-san, but at the same time, Iwished I could have shown him a winning game. A winning game is much more fun, and we could have shared the joytwice as much.

To Janai Yamamoto-san,
Thank you so much for your time despite your busy schedule!
Did you enjoy the match??
It was forecast to rain, but I'm glad it cleared up in the end 👍
Let's watch a winning game next time we hold a viewing party! Thank you for the treat at the izakaya 🙏

Please check out Janai Yamamoto-san's article as well!