TAG Heuer Establishes an award to honor the "Young Guns" of the J.League
Swiss luxury watch brand TAG Heuer, in cooperation with Japan's J.League, established the "TAG Heuer YOUNG GUNS AWARD," selecting 11 players under the age of 23 (Under-23). The kickoff event was held on June 27 at Aoyama Spiral Hall in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The award aims to foster the next generation of young players in the J.League and contribute to the league's future development by selecting and honoring 11 Under-23 players (Young Guns) from J.League teams.
At the outset, Yasuomi Kawamura, General Manager of LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan TAG Heuer, explained the brand's strong ties to soccer. He noted TAG Heuer serves as the Official Timekeeper for major leagues worldwide, including the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, and Spanish La Liga. Since 2016, as a Top Partner of the J.League, TAG Heuer became the league's first Official Timekeeper. "The passion for the younger generation is something TAG Heuer and the J.League share. As a new challenge, we want to support talented young J.League players with the full backing of our brand," he stated.
J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai and Vice Chairman Hiromi Hara sent video messages: "Considering what TAG Heuer and the J.League could achieve together led to the creation of this award. We are very much looking forward to it." "We hope young players will strive towards this award as a goal and spread their wings to the world."
Hiroto Hori, Marketing Director for the brand, explained the award's outline. He stated the concept, mirroring the brand slogan "Don't Crack Under Pressure," is to shine a light on young players possessing a spirit that doesn't crack under pressure and to energize the J.League. There are 519 Under-23 players across J1, J2, and J3. A selection panel, including experts, will choose 30 nominees. Public fans and supporters will then vote via social media to select 11 finalists. The brand aims to make the ceremony, scheduled for December, an avant-garde event true to its spirit.
Appearing on stage as guests were Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund), a Japan national team player and brand ambassador, along with former national team players Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F. Marinos) and Masashi Nakayama (Azul Claro Numazu). Kagawa stated, "The award serves as tremendous motivation for players," and all three emphasized its significant meaning not only for the players but also for the future of Japanese soccer.
They also discussed their younger days, sharing thoughts like "Those experiences were incredibly valuable" and "I got scolded a lot, but it really helped me." The conversation then turned to their photos displayed on the backdrop. All three, sporting distinctive hairstyles different from today, made the audience laugh with self-deprecating comments like "Looking at it now is embarrassing," "So lame," and "Just youthful folly."
Wearing watches including the brand's first limited edition "Kagawa Model," the trio discussed "precious time": "I'm starting to think about retirement. I want to treasure every minute and second," "Time preparing for games," and "Relaxing and refreshing during off-time."
Still in their suits, the trio attempted a kick challenge. Nakayama passed the ball to Nakazawa, who then set up Kagawa for the shot. When the ball sailed beautifully into the net, the award trophy and commemorative watches were unveiled.
Official website:
http://www.goal.com/story/youngguns/index.html
■ Award Statement
Innovation is born from
Nineteen is not young.
Someone once spoke of the world of soccer.
Is the wall of veterans too thick?
Or is it Japan's seniority system that stands in the way?
Last year's J.League Best XI,
only one player was under 23.
To push the clock forward for Japanese soccer,
we must focus more on young talent.
TAG Heuer Young Gun Award
Kickoff is now.
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