J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai "When two paths exist, the choice is always about the thrill of the moment" Session 3
Murai Mitsuru
Japan's Presence in Asian Soccer
In my previous role, I worked in Hong Kong, India, and ASEAN countries. What struck me while in Asia was how Japan's presence in soccer remains relatively weak. The J.League must firmly turn its attention to this region.
When we think of soccer popularity, Europe and South America often come to mind, but Asia is certainly no less significant. Needless to say, Japan is part of Asia, and the center of the global economy is shifting toward Asia. How to enhance the presence of Japanese soccer within this Asia is a major challenge.
The J.League has steadily advanced its initiatives in Asia, already signing partnership agreements with six countries including Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. The number of these comprehensive partner nations should grow further. The ideal is not only broadcasting J.League matches in partner countries but also promoting personnel exchanges, such as players, and even expanding into cultural exchanges.
Japan will participate in the World Cup for the fifth consecutive tournament, undeniably demonstrating the rising level of Japanese soccer. However, the global standard is also rising, naturally. Even though Japan is now a regular World Cup contender in the Asian region, the overall level of soccer across Asia must be raised. This will make it increasingly difficult for any single Asian nation to represent the region. I believe it is the J.League's role to take on this leadership.
The more people enjoy sports, the richer the nation becomes
The J.League shoulders diverse missions and roles, along with its challenges. In a world overflowing with entertainment content, managing a soccer club has become increasingly difficult. In general business, returns on investment can be forecasted with a certain degree of probability. In soccer, however, high-salary players can get injured, and because it involves human beings, the investment-return cycle is harder to predict. It is a business with a very strong human element.
However, just because it's hard to predict doesn't mean success comes simply from having a grand vision or strategy. As they say, "God is in the details." By visiting each club across the nation, listening to club managers, and witnessing the players and supporters firsthand, I believe solutions to management challenges and paths to further revitalization will become clear.
In my career approach, when faced with two paths, I have always chosen the one that brings a thrilling sense of tension. This was true when I was approached about becoming J.League Chairman. Humans never feel that heart-pounding excitement for things completely out of reach or those that come too easily. It's when we're right on the edge of what we can achieve that we experience that thrilling tension. It is within this tension that I intend to strive for the further revitalization of the J.League and the expansion of its fan base.
I firmly believe it is an undeniable truth: the more people enjoy sports, the more prosperous a nation becomes.
During my travels visiting J.League clubs nationwide, I witnessed an unforgettable scene. While watching a J3 opening match, amidst the spectators seated in the main stand, two children played behind the goal, waving small flags as if sword-fighting. It was a heartwarming sight.
The team you came to cheer for with your parents may be in J3 now, but by the time you grow up, it might be promoted to J1. On the day that team makes its J.League debut, you might one day look back on the time you played sword-fighting with the team's flag in the stands and feel proud. We want to cherish the existence of people like you. We want to carefully guard your memories... Watching that heartwarming sword-play scene, such thoughts crossed my mind.
Rather than delivering lofty speeches to club officials, I believe conveying the scene I witnessed at the stadium and my genuine feelings directly would carry more weight and become more meaningful words than any prepared message.
〔 The End 〕
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
Newsletter registration is here
We select and publish important news every day
For inquiries about this article
Author
Murai Mitsuru
Born in 1959. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Japan Recruit Center (now Recruit Holdings). In 2000, he became an Executive Officer (in charge of Human Resources), and in 2004, he was appointed President of Recruit Abric (now Recruit Career). In 2011, he became President of RGF Hong Kong Limited, and in 2013, he became Chairman of the same company. During this period, he served as a Director (part-time) of the Japan Professional Football League from 2008 to 2013, and in January 2014, he was appointed as the 5th Chairman of the J.League.