The Kashima Juniors' expedition to Portugal will take place from Friday, March 18th to Monday, March 28th. The team gathered at Narita Airport at 7:30 AM, and player Maeda, representing the team, pledged to perform well on this expedition before their departure for Portugal.
We arrived at Dubai International Airport earlier than scheduled. After baggage inspection, we moved terminals by train, and under the instruction of trainer Ito, we performed gymnastics and stretching. Coach Kotani's stern words kept everyone focused.
We arrived in Dubai around 5 AM local time, and after approximately a 9-hour flight from Dubai, we arrived in Lisbon around 12 PM local time. Upon arrival in Lisbon, we traveled by bus and stopped at a drive-in along the way.
From Lisbon airport, it was about a 3.5-hour bus ride to the town of Faro, where the tournament will be held. We traveled while enjoying the pleasant scenery. The hotel is near the coast, but there's nothing else around. Several other teams, including Valencia, are also staying at the same hotel. Immediately after arriving at the hotel, we headed to the tournament headquarters. Upon arrival, it became clear that this was going to be a very grand event. The tournament finally begins tomorrow.
