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SAYONARA National Stadium FINAL②, Legends Return, Blue Impulse Performs Exhibition Flight for the First Time in 50 Years
On May 31st, at the National Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo, the "SAYONARA National Stadium FINAL 'FOR THE FUTURE'" event took place. Following the morning's "Final Fan Run Day ~Thank you National Stadium~," legendary players from soccer and rugby, who had played historic matches at the stadium, gathered for a "Legends Match."
In soccer, former Japan national team players Yasuhiko Okudera, Yasutaro Matsuki, Masashi Nakayama, and Rui Ramos gathered. They divided into two teams, Legends Blue and Legends White, and played a heated match. The Blue team was coached by former Japan Football Association President Shunichiro Okano, while the White team was coached by Mitsuo Kamata, who played for teams like Furukawa Electric. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
For rugby, a legends match was held between Waseda University alumni and Meiji University alumni who had played at the same stadium. They faced off divided by age group: "50s Legends," "40s Legends," and "30s Legends." The Waseda University alumni team won all their matches.
Between the soccer and rugby legend matches, the six-plane aerobatic team "Blue Impulse" from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Matsushima Base performed a demonstration flight. This marked their first appearance at the National Stadium in 50 years, since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. They displayed four formations: Delta, Swan, Grand Cross, and Leaders Benefit. Each time their majestic figures appeared overhead, huge cheers erupted from the packed stadium. After the display, the pilots held a fan service event. A long line forming around the stadium, with a four-hour wait, demonstrated their immense popularity.
【 Related Articles 】
・SAYONARA National Stadium FINAL①: 2,000Attend Final Fan Run Day [2014.06.06]
・SAYONARA National Stadium FINAL③, "FOR THE FUTURE" Final Ceremony Looking Toward the Future[2014.06.06]
・SAYONARA National Stadium FINAL④: The Light of Hope Spreads Nationwide[2014.06.11]
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