President Iihata giving the opening presentation
Next, our official sponsors were invited to the stage, and 10 players and coach Toninho Cerezo presented them with pennants. Following this, all players came to the stage for a commemorative photo.
All players on stage for a commemorative photo with official sponsors
Mr. Ryo Nihei, Senior Managing Executive Officer of LIXIL Corporation, gave the opening address on behalf of the official sponsors.
Coach Cerezo also addressed the audience on stage, expressing his aspirations for the season. He declared victory emphatically, saying, "This is my third year as coach. In the first year, we finished 5th in the league, and 3rd in the second year. If it was 5th, then 3rd, next we must win 1st place. There is pressure, and I believe both I and everyone here feels the same."
Coach Cerezo: "I believe in these players, and I expect them to put their heart and soul into every small practice!"
Afterward, the traditional "Kagami Biraki" (sake barrel breaking) ceremony was held. Sponsors were invited to the stage, and Coach Cerezo and team captain Nishi also participated, wearing happi coats.
Players, including Nishi, smiling on stage after the Kagami Biraki ceremony
Furthermore, this time we also had powerful guests. Oyakata Tagonoura, Kisenosato, and Takayasu from the Tagonoura stable of Sumo wrestling came to offer encouragement. Kisenosato, who hails from Ibaraki Prefecture, the team's home ground, said, "I grew up in the J-League generation and have always been a fan of Antlers. Today, I'm dressed in Antlers red!" which brought excitement to the venue.
Afterward, there was a casual chat time, and the players enjoyed their time with the attendees.
Takasaki and Hwang Seok-ho also smile for a photo
Flare performs a splendid show on stage.
Then, the players presented pennants to our ad board sponsors and suppliers. Four players – Aoki, Yamamura, Caio, and Umebachi – served as presenters, expressing gratitude for their ongoing support.
Additionally, commemorative plaques were presented to Kashima Kyodo Thermal Power Co., Ltd. and Sekisho Shoji Co., Ltd., who are celebrating their 20th year of sponsorship.
After enjoying a lively conversation, the party was nearing its climax. A big surprise was prepared: the announcement of a retirement match for Coach Yanagisawa and C.R.O. Nakata, who retired from active play last year, and Toru Aiba.
After Coach Yanagisawa and C.R.O. Nakata greeted the audience on stage, Aiba was called up and appeared on stage. The venue erupted in applause and cheers. The retirement match is scheduled for July, and Aiba said with a smile, "To be able to play with these two... I feel like I'm just an extra, but I appreciate it."
Next, the 2015 season uniform was unveiled. Three new players, Yuma Suzuki, Ohashi, and Kubota, appeared on stage in this year's battle gear. C.R.O. Nakata served as the host, and the three players introduced themselves. Then, Nike Japan explained the concept and features of the new uniform.
The three new players line up on stage with nervous expressions.
Following the uniform presentation, the 2015 season official suits provided by NEW YORKER were unveiled. C.R.O. Nakata again hosted, and newly transferred players Takasaki and Hwang Seok-ho showed off their suits. Furthermore, Kanazaki, whose transfer was surprisingly announced at the venue that day, also appeared on stage to cheers.
Takasaki, who looked sharp in his suit, spoke about its comfort.
The party concluded with all the players gathering on stage once more for a "Sanbon Jime" (three sets of three claps). Mr. Hiroshi Tomono, Representative Director and Vice Chairman of Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, led the cheers, praying for the team to win all titles this season. The players exited according to their jersey numbers as announced, and finally, Coach Cerezo left the stage with a stylish gesture of kicking a ball.
