J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai "When two paths exist, the choice is always about that heart-pounding feeling" Session 2

The "Three Promises" Requested of Stakeholders for Revitalization

Deepening affection for hometowns and using artistic play to inspire and energize people. I consider it my mission to further permeate and elevate the social significance and value of the J.League, along with the appeal of soccer.

Shortly after becoming Chairman, I asked key stakeholders—club presidents, coaches, player representatives, referees, and match commissioners—to make three commitments.

First, play with full effort until the whistle blows. Even if you fall, don't stop playing until the whistle sounds. And don't make unnecessary complaints to the referee that disrupt the flow of the game.

Second, restart play quickly. In matches where a team is winning, goal kicks and corner kicks often become slow and deliberate. Avoid such sluggish play.

Third, avoid substitutions that serve as time-wasting tactics.

All of these points relate to the quality of play on the pitch and are fundamental to further energizing the J.League. I reiterated the importance of strictly adhering to them.

On another note, a major player, Diego Forlán, joined Cerezo Osaka this year. He's a superstar who excelled at top European clubs and was named MVP of the 2010 World Cup as a member of the Uruguay national team. Having such a star performer shine on the pitch will undoubtedly be a huge factor in energizing the entire soccer world.

Furthermore, while the J.League currently consists of 51 clubs across 36 prefectures, I believe it is crucial for enhancing soccer's appeal to develop integrated entertainment environments around soccer stadiums, similar to Europe, featuring shopping malls and hotels.

Advancing the J.League Centennial Vision with "Do All Sports" as the Keyword

Of course, revitalizing soccer alone is not the J.League's sole mission. Its stated philosophy includes the phrase "promoting a rich sports culture." This is not just about promoting soccer. It's about "promoting sports culture" through all sports.

The J.League is already advancing its "Century Plan" under the slogan "Through sports, towards a happier country." We have been working to promote sports in all its forms, including creating green-turf-covered plazas and sports facilities, and establishing various community-based sports clubs, not limited to soccer.

Sports aren't just about "playing"; "watching" and "participating" are sports too. Even gathering at an izakaya to drink while discussing soccer is a form of sports. Using the keyword "DO! ALL SPORTS" – which means enjoying every aspect of sports – we aim to spread the J.League Centennial Vision even further.

Beyond promoting sports, we engage in diverse social activities. Clubs under the J.League umbrella provide physical trainers to guide local residents in stretching exercises and introduce players' dietary regimens to enhance community health. For children, players sometimes teach math alongside soccer instruction. These community contribution activities also lay the groundwork for cultivating a rich sports culture.

Furthermore, "contributing to international exchange and friendship" is a core J.League principle. Today, more nations participate in World Cup qualifiers than are UN member states. Precisely because soccer is such an international sport, it can cultivate and produce individuals who thrive as global citizens.

Communicating the J.League's social role and intrinsic value more widely to the general public is one of our most significant challenges.

[ Continued in Part 3 ]