On February 13th, we held a kickoff party in Tokyo and invited our sponsors and other guests. As a surprise, world-renowned trumpeter Hino Terumasa livened up the opening with a magnificent solo performance. Then, introduced by Hino Terumasa, President and CEO Ibata took the stage to give a presentation, explaining the club's vision, aspirations for the season, and slogan.
Next, representatives from our 14 official sponsors took the stage, and players presented them with pennants. Mr. Kyohei Noguchi, Officer in charge of the Advertising Department, Marketing Division, LIXIL Corporation, gave an address on behalf of the official sponsors.
Coach Ishii, representing the team, addressed everyone who attended the kickoff party.
For the "Kagami-biraki" (sake barrel breaking ceremony), sponsors took the stage, and Coach Ishii and Player Representative Shoji also participated, wearing happi coats. The toast was proposed by Mr. Akira Hayama, President and CEO of Riso Kagaku Corporation. This year, the toast was again accompanied by shouts of "Goal, goal, goal!"
After that, there was time for mingling, and the players took photos and signed autographs for the attendees.
On stage, players presented pennants to the adboard sponsors and suppliers. Four players, Misao, Ito, Kubota, and Machida, acted as presenters and expressed their gratitude for the ongoing support.
This year, commemorative gifts were presented to Joso Kaihatsu Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Kanpoh Steel Co., Ltd. for their 20 years of sponsorship. After a commemorative photo, Mr. Kanji Tanimoto, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer of Kanpoh Steel Co., Ltd., gave an address.
Next, the 2017 season uniform was introduced. New signing Oda wore the 1st uniform, and Abe wore the 2nd uniform. Then, Nike Japan explained the concept and features of the new uniform.
Following this, the New Yorker Co., Ltd. official suit 2017 season model was unveiled. Under the direction of C.R.O. Nakata, new transfer players Suntae, Leo Silva, Pedro Junior, Leandro, Kanamori, and Yuto Misao showcased their suits and spoke about their aspirations for the season.
As a shareholder representative, Mr. Hiroshi Tomono, Advisor at Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation, gave an address, and we prayed for all titles to be conquered this season with a "Sanbonjime" rhythm.
Finally, the players exited in order of their jersey numbers, and the kickoff party concluded.
