Kashima Antlers F.C. Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Fumiaki Koizumi; hereinafter "Kashima Antlers") and Ibaraki University (Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture; President: Hirotada Ota), a national university corporation, will release "Anton no Ekaki Uta" (Anton's Drawing Song), an educational content piece jointly developed with the university's School of Education (Dean: Hiroaki Katsuji) as part of the "Ibaraki University Social Collaboration Center Regional Support Project 2025," on February 11, 2026 (Wed/Holiday), to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their partnership agreement.
"Anton no Ekaki Uta" is the result of an academic initiative that aims for regional revitalization through professional sports and the resolution of regional issues through the specialized knowledge of education.
Project Background: 20th Anniversary of Partnership, "Rich Seeds" for the Next Generation
Since signing a partnership agreement in 2005, Kashima Antlers and Ibaraki University have promoted "regional revitalization through professional sports" and "joint research for solving regional issues" for 20 years. In the joint development of this educational content, we focused on "unpreschoolers aged 0-5," an age group with whom the club has had limited contact. The aim is to support healthy growth and foster attachment to the region by providing "expressive education" through the mascot during a crucial period when children learn language and social rules.
Result of Joint Research: "Anton no Ekaki Uta"
In this work, faculty members from Ibaraki University's School of Education were responsible for the lyrics and music, creating a piece that highly integrates educational effectiveness and familiarity.
Educational Approach
The lyrics use familiar motifs such as "onigiri" (rice ball), "tamago" (egg), and "hamaguri" (clam), as well as keywords related to Kashima. By grasping shapes in rhythm, the aim is to foster children's self-esteem by feeling "I drew it myself" and the joy of expression.
Production Team by Experts
Lyrics: Naoki Kataguchi (Ibaraki University Graduate School of Education: Art Education)
Music: Momoko Akiba (Ibaraki University Graduate School of Education: Music Education)
Video: Masashi Yokota (Part-time Lecturer, Ibaraki University Faculty of Education / Video Artist)
Project Name
"Ibaraki University Faculty of Education and Kashima Antlers FC Regional Revitalization Project through Professional Sports - Through the Production of an Official Mascot (Anton) Drawing Song -"
Release and Future Developments
The completed video will be available on platforms that children watch daily and at stadiums for a real-life experience.
Release Date
February 11, 2026 (Wed/Holiday)
Delivery URL
Anton no Ekaki Uta
Distribution Media
Kashima Antlers Official Mascot YouTube Channel "Tokoton Anton TV"
https://www.youtube.com/@tokoton_anton
Real-world Deployment
It will be shown at the kids' park outside Mercari Stadium during Kashima Antlers' home games. Additionally, special sheets with lyrics and drawing instructions will be distributed to foster interaction with the local community and fans/supporters.
(*Implementation details may vary depending on the match schedule. Please be aware of this in advance.)
Comments from Related Parties
Ibaraki University School of Education Project Coordinator
"By combining the educational knowledge of the university with the communication power that Antlers possesses in the region, we have created educational content that nurtures children's desire for expression. Let's all have fun singing, drawing, laughing, and supporting Antlers. We hope that 'Anton no Ekaki Uta' will bring smiles to the children who will lead the future of the region and continue to be loved."
Kashima Antlers F.C. Co., Ltd. Coordinator
"It is highly significant that we were able to create content backed by expertise, in collaboration with Ibaraki University, who are educational professionals, rather than just a mascot video. We will continue to deepen our collaboration to solve regional issues while leveraging each other's strengths."
Reference: Song Details
Song Title: Anton no Ekaki Uta
Vocals: Rion Tsukishiro (EARLY WING)
Arrangement: Masayuki Akahori
Lyrics:
There was one onigiri,
Two eggs were placed on it.
Decorated with two black sesame seeds,
One black bean shone brightly!
Two clams,
Two hearts,
Victory! Anton!