A friend and I wanted to go to Japan and, of course football had to be watched on this trip. We planned the trip for almost half a year before we finally we arrived in Tokyo on April 3rd this year.
April 4th – Kashiwa Reysol vs. Guangzhou Evergrande – AFC Champions League – 0:0 – Attendance 8,787 (1000 away fans approx.) – Kashiwa Hitachi Stadium
The first match we wanted to see was Kashiwa Reysol vs Gangzhou in the AFC Champions League. About 8,800 spectators visited the match in Kashiwa Stadium this evening. We estimated about 1.000 Guangzhou supporters were in the away end. We talked to few of them and they told us that most of them were Chinese students that live in Japan. Only a few were really from China. The football wasn’t a high level, so we weren’t surprised that the match ended 0:0. At least the support was very good. All throughout the match both supporter groups chanted non-stop. First match in Japan completed and we were ready for more.
April 7th – Kashima Antlers vs. Urawa Red Diamonds – J.League J1 – 1:3 – 23,507 (3.500 away) – Kashima Soccer Stadium
We took a train on Saturday morning to Kashima. We really expected a lot from the Urawa supporters. About 3,500 of them rocked the away sector. Great performance. Great number for away fans. The Antlers fans were also very good. Great songs, loud support.
It was a choir battle on the terraces. Also very attractive and fast football with nice goals.
April 8th – Tokyo Verdy vs. Tokushima Vortis – J.League J2 – 2:0 – 3,110 (100 away) – Ajinomoto Stadium
Ajinomoto Stadium was also a World Cup Stadium in 2002, but the second division in Japan seems not to be really attractive for the spectators, so only about 3,000 visitors came into the completely over-sized stadium for a J2 match. In a wholly grey stadium with a track for athletics the stadium seem even bigger and more empty. Not the ugliest stadium, but definitely too big for Tokyo Verdy.
About 100 away supporters that you could hear from time to time found their way to Tokyo. At least a group of about 500 people in the home section sang bravely during the match almost constantly.
After the Tokyo Verdy match we had about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the next match. With a Google maps printout and no local knowledge we jumped into local trains, changed trains and ran to the next stadium. We arrived a few minutes after kick off and I think even a local wouldn(t have done it better. That’s Groundhopping!! 
April 8th – Kawasaki Frontale vs. FC Tokyo – J.League J1 – 0:1 – 20,996 (5,000 away) – Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium
The stadium was sold out (or so they told us, the official spectator number and the capacity tell another story!) and with a little help of the friendly Kawasaki press staff we got in. About 25 % of the stadium was filled by away supporters. It was an absolutely great atmosphere with loud chants on both sides. Nice stadium, which should be unique. Nice flags on both sides and 90 minutes full support. Fast football, really nice to watch. The FC Tokyo sector exploded after the goal. It was the best match on the tour.
April 14th – Urawa Reds vs. Vissel Kobe – J.League J1 – 2:0 – 25,894 (300 away) – Saitama Stadium 2002
On Saturday we went to Saitama to see the legendary Urawa Reds in a home match in the famous Saitama World Cup Stadium of 2002. We didn’t expect to see many guests from Kobe and we got what we were expecting. About 150 supporters of Vissel Kobe found their way to Saitama. They still tried to make the best of their situation and supported their team in the rain. The game was not sold out but the home area was filled and the atmosphere was very good. Sometimes it got really loud. Very impressive support by the Urawa fans. 90 minutes at full power! Also interesting was the large number of nice flags of the supporters. Some were really big and with an ornate style.
April 15th – JEF United Chiba Ichihara vs. Fagiano Okayama – J.League J2 – 0:0 – 9,056 (200 away) – Fukuda Denshi Arena
Today we saw a very good number of spectators for a J2 match. The former J1 team, JEF, played very well but did not take their chances to win. Great support from the home sector behind the goal. About 150 away supporters also tried their best. Unfortunately no goals in this match.
It was our last match of the tour and we flew home directly the next day.
We had great time in Japan with good sport, great support and very nice and friendly people. We definitely will be back!
Kay Bohn
