Japan National Soccer Team With 7,261 eyes watching, they set forth!

On May 25th, the Japan Football Association (JFA) held the "Dreams into Power 2014 Farewell Event" for SAMURAI BLUE (the Japan National Team) at the National Yoyogi Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo, ahead of their participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. The event drew a crowd of 7,261 fans and supporters. Outside the venue, the "Dreams Become Power 2014 Festival" featured stage events, sponsor booths, and booths selling replica jerseys, bustling with numerous visitors.

At the outset, JFA President Kuniyoshi Ohni stated, "We aim to advance beyond the group stage and achieve results surpassing our previous performance. We will give our all in a battle that truly embodies Japanese soccer." Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a message: "I hope the power of sports will energize Japan. I sincerely look forward to seeing the blue samurai perform brilliantly with the Rising Sun flag on their chests." Local governments nationwide also cooperated in supporting the team (through the Local Governments Supporting Japanese Soccer Federation), with 262 banners displaying messages of support displayed at the venue.

The event also introduced the trio of referees selected for the Brazil tournament: Head Referee Yuichi Nishimura and Assistant Referees Toru Sagara and Toshiyuki Namiki. It featured an explanation of the "Kirin Smile Field" project, run by the JFA and official sponsor Kirin Group. This project holds soccer clinics for elementary school students in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima Prefectures, led by former national team players . To date, over 80, 000 children from 55 0 schools have participated.

The squad's jersey numbers were revealed via projection mapping. As the 23 players in uniform and Head Coach Alberto Zaccheroni entered the venue, the atmosphere and cheers reached a fever pitch. The coach addressed the crowd: "We ask for your wholehearted support for the adventure we are about to embark on. We want you to be proud of the Japan National Team." He concluded in Japanese: "Let's do our best!" The Kirin Group presented 76,236 Japan Soccer Support Ribbons (Bonfin), each bearing messages for the team written by visitors to its factories nationwide. Additionally, arena spectators collaborated to unveil a giant flag printed with numerous dreams submitted from across Japan via the "Dreams Become Power 2014" special website and other channels. The flag was unfurled toward the stage, resembling a vast expanse of blue ocean. The flag was presented to the team representatives by elementary school brothers from Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, along with messages such as "Please win!" Captain Makoto Hasebe expressed his determination: "We were strongly reminded that we are fighting while carrying many dreams. Let's fight together, both those watching at the venue and those cheering from Japan."

A surprise appearance on stage was made by the unit "Ukaskaji," featuring Mr.Children's Kazutoshi Sakurai, renowned among musicians for his unparalleled love of soccer, and rapper GAKU-MC. They performed their newly created support song for the Japan National Team, "Victory Smiles with You."

Finally, all players gathered at the center of the stage, forming a huddle just like in a real match. Led by Hasebe's rallying cry, the audience also raised their spirits. The national team departs Japan on May 29th, heading to Florida, USA, for a training camp before traveling to host nation Brazil.