Kirin "Strengthening the Future of Japan's National Soccer Team" Campaign

Kirin Brewery and Kirin Beverage are holding "Japan National Soccer Team Support Week 2015" from May 25th to 31st. They are soliciting ideas from fans and supporters to strengthen the future Japan national team via their website and at venues like the Kirin Challenge Cup (until the 31st).

Based on the collected ideas, they will consult with prominent figures to decide on initiatives. Additionally, a portion of sales from designated products during the period will be allocated to fund these initiatives. The theme for the first round is "Player Development," with the selected initiatives scheduled to be announced in July or later.

The website features ideas from the general public and experts, along with an interview with Sergio Echigo.

Kirin has supported the Japanese national team for 37 years since sponsoring Japan's first major international soccer tournament, the "Japan Cup" (now the Kirin Cup Soccer), held in 1978.
This April, Kirin transitioned from being the "Official Sponsor of the Japan National Soccer Team" to becoming an "Official Partner."

On the campaign's first day, a kickoff event was held at AEON Kasai in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, featuring soccer commentator Yasutaro Matsuki and talent Ruriko Kojima (nicknamed Kojiruri). Kojima wore the national team's No. 12 jersey featuring her name "KOJIRURI" to boost the cheering atmosphere. Matsuki expressed gratitude for Kirin's long-standing support of soccer, stating, "It's wonderful that ideas from the general public could potentially be incorporated into this initiative." Kojima added, "I believe the synergy of this campaign will further heighten the spirit of supporting the national team."

Inspired by the public's ideas, the two also shared their own concepts. Matsuki announced, "Receiving coaching from multiple coaches and across different categories," explaining that gaining diverse experience beyond one's own position improves performance. Kojima, who has experience as a soccer club manager, wrote her personal wish: "Please make me, Kojima Ruriko, the U-generation manager for the Japanese national team." Upon seeing this, Matsuki quipped, "I'll call the chairman right now! Though I don't know his number," sparking laughter in the venue. Kojima also brought lemon honey preserves in Samurai Blue packaging to convey her enthusiasm and make her appeal.

During the campaign period, in-store support events will be held at six AEON stores nationwide. Alongside talk shows and autograph sessions featuring former Japanese national team players, there will be an idea submission corner and sales of special Japanese national team support cans.