Antlers, who won their ninth Meiji Yasuda J1 League title in nine years, participated as the champion team, with Coach Oniki and all players (excluding those ill or returned home) in attendance.
Upon arriving at Yokohama Arena, the players took photos on the red carpet before the opening.
The venue erupted when the players appeared for the opening. The players lined up on stage, and Captain Shibasaki received the trophy from JFA (Japan Football Association) President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, while Coach Oniki received a commemorative shield from J.LEAGUE Chairman Yoshikazu Nonomura.
On the stage, Coach Oniki, Shibasaki, and Anzai gave comments. Shibasaki said, "It's been nine years for the team, and we've been eagerly awaiting this. We're glad we could deliver the title to ourselves and, most importantly, to our supporters."
For individual awards, Ueda first received the Fair Play Individual Award. As a supplementary prize, he was given an extra-large "Sanrio Hello Kitty plushie."
Messages of congratulations were also sent from Antlers legends Atsuto Uchida and Shinzo Koroki (who received the Distinguished Service Player Award).
Leo Ceara won both the Best Goal Award (on July 20, 2025, Meiji Yasuda J1 League Matchday 24, Kashima Antlers vs. Kashiwa Reysol, 5th minute) and the Top Scorer Award (21 goals).
Hayakawa, Leo Ceara, Koike, Suzuki, and Ueda were nominated for the Excellent Player Award, and the players present walked the runway in special outfits.
From the Excellent Players, Hayakawa, Leo Ceara, and Ueda were selected for the Best Eleven.
And, as the grand finale of the awards, the name "Tomoki Hayakawa" was announced as the Most Valuable Player, to a tense venue.
After the awards, the players selected for the Best Eleven, as well as the three players from Antlers, took a group photo.
