"Japan-Myanmar Diplomatic Relations 60th Anniversary Commemorative Event: The Nippon Foundation Charity Match - Yanmar Cup Cerezo Osaka vs. Myanmar National Team" held.

On June 28, The Nippon Foundation, co-hosted with the Myanmar Football Federation, held the "Nippon Foundation Charity Match: Yanmar Cup - Cerezo Osaka vs. Myanmar National Team" at the Thuwunna Yust Training Center Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar. This commemorated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Myanmar and marked Cerezo Osaka's first official match under new manager Peccioli. Japan won the match 1-0.

Players from both teams, escort kids, and children participating in the national anthem program

 

Soccer is the most popular sport in Myanmar. Companies like Toyota, Canon, and Panasonic are already involved as sponsors of the country's National Football League, attracting significant attention from Japanese companies seeking to develop new markets. Yanmar, a partner company of Cerezo Osaka and a long-time supporter of soccer promotion in Asia as part of its social contribution activities, sponsored the match as the naming rights sponsor. Additionally, multiple Japanese companies including Suzuki, JCB, NTT DATA, and Canon provided sponsorship.

The Nippon Foundation, the organizer, provided private international support using a portion of the sponsorship funds, aiming to further strengthen relations between the two countries and build lasting friendly ties through soccer. The foundation implemented sports and educational support activities, including soccer clinics, for children in Myanmar's ethnic minority and rural regions, areas it has previously supported. Furthermore, with the cooperation of the supporting J.League, 746 J-League club jerseys donated by Japanese supporters were delivered to children in Myanmar.

Starting with the 2012 Thai Premier League, the J.League has partnered with leagues in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia, strengthening its ties with Asia. At the club level, friendly matches and clinics in these regions are being held one after another, drawing attention to exchanges through soccer and the acquisition of new business opportunities.

 

	 
12,000 spectators attended the stadium  	 	Both nations commended each other's valiant efforts
	 
Scene from the soccer clinic	 	The soccer clinic was filled with children's smiles

 

The Nippon Foundation Myanmar Sports Project (The Nippon Foundation website)
http://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/what/projects/myanmar_sports/

Clinic conducted by Cerezo Osaka coaches (Cerezo Osaka website)
http://www.cerezo.co.jp/news_detail.asp?c_idx=10013547&contents_code=100102