During their interaction with the children, "ice-breaking" activities were effective, and the children's excitement soared. In a competition to "form groups of four and sit down," the children swarmed around Nagaki and Kubota.
After that, they played "freeze tag" where groups of four chased the players. Both the players and the children ran around the field with all their might.
Afterward, first and second graders paired up and played tag again to catch the players. Although janken train (rock-paper-scissors train) was originally planned, the children actively chased the players and eventually surrounded and successfully caught them.
Third and fourth graders played a game of "tail grabbing." They played twice, and both times the players won without having their tails taken. Nagaki looked happy as he snatched two tails from the children.
Fifth and sixth graders played a slightly more serious soccer game of players versus children. The fifth graders enthusiastically chased the ball, but couldn't quite take it, and Kubota scored a brilliant header from Nagaki's cross, prompting shouts of "Awesome!" from the children.
When it was the sixth graders' turn, Nagaki exclaimed, "They're strong!" The children's physiques were noticeably larger, leading to intense battles for the ball. Even so, voices like "Amazing!" and "They're pros!" could be heard from the children. In the end, a free kick was awarded when the ball was stopped with a hand. With the children filling the area in front of the goal and the pressure of not being able to hit them, Nagaki elegantly scored a goal.
After that, the players put on a demonstration. They showed off their technique by using various parts of their feet and by juggling the ball only with their heads. They also demonstrated juggling with only their heads as a pair, to prevent the children from taking the ball.
The exchange concluded with a commemorative photo, gifts, and words of appreciation.
Nagaki said, "I worked up a good sweat. It was fun."
Kubota said, "I felt energized by everyone, and it made me want to work harder too."
They bid farewell with a greeting, "Let's meet at the stadium next time."
Kubota was so surprised by how energetic the children at this school were that everyone actively participated. Although the players were tired after practice, they ran around with full effort, making it a fulfilling elementary school visit.
