2024-01-11 22:53:11
Kawasaki Frontale players pray for victory at the Goma memorial service, all in Kawasaki Ward
Approximately 60 players, managers, and staff members of J1 soccer team Kawasaki Frontale held the annual New Year’s prayer for victory at Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple in Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City on the 11th. Although they won the Emperor’s Cup at the end of last year, they finished 8th in the league. The team has a strong commitment to the new season, with coach Toru Oniki reassuring himself, saying, “First of all, we want to aim for the league championship and work hard as a team.” (Yuu Watabe)
Regarding praying for a guaranteed victory, Coach Oniki said, “It creates a kind of determination that the game starts now.It’s a day I cherish for myself.” This year’s prayer for victory started at 1:00 pm on January 11th, and the number 1 was lined up. “That kind of thing is important. We had very good numbers,” he said with a big smile. Kento Kitita also felt refreshed, saying, “This year, I have a strong desire to do my best once more.”
After praying for victory, Director Oniki (right) chats with a store owner on Nakamise Street in front of Kawasaki Daishi.
After praying for victory, the players each went around the city to greet each other at shopping districts. Fundraising activities were also held in response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year’s Day. Director Oniki visited Nakamise Street in front of Kawasaki Daishi and deepened his interaction with citizens by handing out autographs and shaking hands.
Yasuto Wakisaka (left) receives a bouquet of encouragement from a child supporter while greeting people in a shopping district.
Wataru Takahashi (49), the manager of Taichi Takahashi Shoten, a Daruma specialty store on Nakamise Street, who has been supporting Frontale since 2003 when they were in J2, said, “He comes to say hello every year. I’m really happy when they come, and it makes me think, “Okay, let’s support them this year too.” That’s what makes Frontale so good,” he said happily.
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