Report

Hometown Elementary School Visit: Hokota City Shiratori Nishi Elementary School

On June 2nd, players Misao and Tanaka visited Hokota City Shiratori Nishi Elementary School and interacted with 120 students from all grades in the gymnasium. It was both players' first time participating in a school visit.
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The demonstration started with the players juggling the ball between themselves. However, perhaps due to nerves from their first school visit, neither player was able to show off their skills well. Despite their wry smiles, C.R.O. Nakata skillfully performed a trick, much to the children's delight. A long-distance juggling act with the children in between was successful, and both players looked relieved.
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First up was rock-paper-scissors train with the 1st and 2nd graders. The players and C.R.O. Nakata quickly lost and joined the back of the train. Both the players and children enjoyed themselves with big smiles.
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The 3rd and 4th graders played "tail tag." Using dashes and backsteps, the players snatched the children's tails one after another. While the players aimed for the children's tails, there was also a moment when C.R.O. Nakata tried to steal Misao's tail when he saw an opening. In the end, it was a child, Tanaka, and C.R.O. Nakata who remained. C.R.O. Nakata tried to entice them by turning his back, but time ran out. The game ended with the last remaining child as the winner.

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The 5th and 6th graders played dodgeball. As expected from older students, it was a powerful game of dodgeball. At the start, Tanaka was grabbed by a child on his team and targeted by the opponents. Still, he made a solid catch, captivating the children with cries of "Awesome!" C.R.O. Nakata, who was officiating, even entered the outfield at one point and threw a serious pitch aiming for Misao. In between, he was seen hanging onto the players, clearly quite attached.
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The interaction concluded with a commemorative photo.
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Player Misao: "October 29th is Hokota Day for the Kawasaki Frontale match, so please come to the stadium."
Player Tanaka: "Please use your Kids Pass and come to the stadium to cheer us on."

"I was surprised by how energetic the children were. Everything went well except for the two players' juggling (laughs)," said C.R.O. Nakata. The players, drenched in sweat, said, "It's really nice to interact with children. I love kids" (Tanaka). "Everyone was full of energy, weren't they? It was fun as we don't get these opportunities often" (Misao). Both players enjoyed their time with the children.
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