While Inukai had participated in a similar event during his time at Shimizu S-Pulse, this was the first Antlers elementary school visit for both players, and they looked somewhat nervous in the car on the way there.
However, upon arriving at the school, fifth-grade students who were cleaning called out "Inukai!" and some even shouted his nickname "Wan-chan!" (Puppy!).
When the interaction began, led by the students, Inukai and Oki demonstrated their juggling skills, and a huge cheer went up for Inukai's brilliant technique. Oki joined the children in cheering.
When asked "Who wants to challenge the players for the ball!?", the children all raised their hands at once, and both players struggled to choose a representative opponent.
Once it started, perhaps underestimating the children, both players easily had the ball taken from them. In one reset scene, Inukai, in a sight never usually seen, was seen running away with the ball squeezed between his legs.
In the "Evolution Rock-Paper-Scissors" game with the 4th graders, both players, not acting their age, took on the children in rock-paper-scissors and ran diligently as they "evolved."
The 5th and 6th graders played "River Crossing Game." First, the players became the "oni" (taggers) and recruited student "oni" helpers. Many children eagerly raised their hands to appeal to be chosen. They formed a circle and showed unity as the "oni team."
The players showed no fatigue from their morning practice and moved diligently themselves, sometimes calling out to each other within the "oni team" and having a good time.
Finally, all the 6th graders were divided into seven groups for mini-games against the two players. Even though there were only two players, Oki said, "Can I be the goalkeeper!?", but then waited up front for Inukai's passes.
Here too, the children's efforts were remarkable, and their excitement constantly rose as they consistently took the lead. The players also showed their "Kashima spirit" and aimed for the goal with 100% effort.
But in the end, a girl scored a goal, and Itako Elementary School won.
Finally, they received bouquets and presented signed autograph boards to the children.
