The "Joyo Bank Powerful Match 2024" was held with the cooperation of Joyo Bank, a club official partner.
In cooperation with Joyo Bank, the Japan Amputee Football Association, and the Sitting Sports Association, the "Joyo Bank presents Inclusive Festa" was held at Kashima Sports Center as part of activities aimed at creating a symbiotic society through sports.
Attendees were able to experience parasports, including amputee football, at the main arena of the Kashima Sports Center.
Former wheelchair basketball Japan national team member Shinji Negi and former badminton Japan national team member Ayane Kurihara, who are partner athletes of "HEROs PLEDGE," a project to reduce disposable plastic waste in which Kashima Antlers participates, also attended the event.
Legend Yasuhito Honda also participated in this inclusive festival.
A special photo booth was set up where visitors could take photos with panels of players Yuma, Chinen, and Higuchi, who are the Joyo Bank's 2024 image characters.
Many people enjoyed taking photos with the player panels.
At the entrance gate, 20,000 commemorative fans for the "Joyo Bank Powerful Match 2024" were given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
Before the match, bouquets were presented to the referee and the captains of both teams by Tetsuya Akino, President and Representative Director of Joyo Bank, Ms. Renko Nagasawa, and Ms. Kana Kiuchi. Gaku Shibasaki received the bouquet on behalf of Antlers.
At halftime, a ceremony was held to present a donation for inclusive sports activities. President Akino Tetsuya of Joyo Bank presented the donation to President Koizumi.
And for the limited-time visitor gift campaign "Kashi BIG," the "Joyo Bank Award" was offered, presenting a "Joyo Bank image poster signed by the three Joyo Bank commercial characters."
＜Invite Them to Kashima! Heartful Day＞
This match featured a special event called "Invite Them to Kashima! Heartful Day," the first in the "ANTLERS CARNIVAL" series. Events and measures were implemented to make it easier for fans and supporters to invite people who had never visited Kashima Stadium before.
A large tarpaulin with the main visual design was set up near Gate 4 outside the stadium. Many people took commemorative photos at this photo spot.
Talent Sayaka Isoyama was appointed as the ambassador for "Invite Them to Kashima! Heartful Day" and introduced various events.
Sanrio character "Pochacco" made his first appearance at Kashima Stadium.
A rock-paper-scissors tournament was held at Kashima Dandan Hiroba.
A high-five event was also held with Shikao.
At the entrance gate, 20,000 stickers featuring illustrations of players Nago, Morioka, Nogino, and the Shikao family from the main visual were given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
Also, the newly revamped "Antlers Guide" was distributed at this match.
＜Other Events＞
Winners of the advance lottery on the official LINE received a "Chiikawa" x "J.League" collaboration pin badge.
At the Meiji Yasuda Kenkatsu event booth, health measurements (blood vessel age measurement, Vegicheck) were conducted. The first 300 people who underwent either blood vessel age measurement or Vegicheck received a Meiji Yasuda x J.League tote bag.
The Ibaraki Nature Museum appeared as a mini mobile museum, exhibiting fossils, minerals, and insects at the Kashima Sports Center.
The Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai High School Marching Band "Blue-Hawks" performed at Kashima Dandan Hiroba.
Hometown Days "Namegata Day" was held. Free dried sweet potatoes were distributed, and local specialties were sold. Namegata City's mascot character "Nameri-Mikoto" also appeared.
Friendly Town Days "Choshi Day" was also held. A PR booth was set up to promote the charm of Choshi City, and local specialties were sold. Choshi City's mascot character Chopy-kun and tourism ambassador Riko-chan also appeared.
Inside the stadium, clear files promoting human rights, a collaboration between the "Ibaraki Prefectural Human Rights Awareness Activities Network Council" and "Kashima Antlers," were distributed.
A prevention campaign was held to prevent tuberculosis. Novelties and ballpoint pens were distributed.
As part of a nationwide effort to build a safe and secure community free of crime and delinquency, public awareness activities for the "Bright Society Movement" were carried out. Leaflets and band-aids were distributed.
The stadium's exterior decorations were renewed for the 2024 season. Additionally, new players were added to the photo spot in the concourse inside the stadium.
Before the match, a curtain raiser match was held on the pitch. Children from Namegata City Youth Team, Choshi City Youth Team, Karatsu City FC, FC Esperança Jr., and Joyo Bank energetically chased the ball.
Various events like these are held at Kashima Stadium home games. Please come early when you visit!
