The interaction began with self-introductions from Ogasawara and Yuma Suzuki, with Ogasawara's lively talk quickly capturing the hearts of the children.
During the player demonstration, Suzuki showed off his juggling skills, but failed to perform the "giant swing" trick requested by the children. Ogasawara also served as the emcee while holding the microphone. When they juggled with the children, Ogasawara entertained them by balancing the ball on his head and back.
Ogasawara instructing, "Use your left foot too!"
The 5th and 6th graders with soccer experience challenged both players to take the ball from them. Yuma Suzuki used a hip block and Ogasawara skillfully positioned his body, not letting them have the ball. Some children were so eager that they fell. However, because they had soccer experience, they eventually capitalized on the players' misplaced passes and took the ball.
Children blocked and unable to get the ball
Ogasawara showing off his professional technique
In dodgeball, both Ogasawara and Yuma Suzuki threw the ball without holding back, and the children were visibly surprised by the speed of their throws. They also threw "no-look" balls and faked throws to confuse the children's timing, hitting them. Since more balls were added mid-game, even the players were seen getting hit.
Full-force throw!
Yuma Suzuki spinning the ball around before throwing
Huddle with the children before the second game
A hidden ball behind the back!
Yuma Suzuki inviting them to "throw it"
A girl hiding behind Yuma Suzuki
Ogasawara falling down after being hit by a ball
A hidden ball even in the outfield!!
During the Q&A session, there were many questions from the children, such as "Why did you become a soccer player?", "What kind of training do you do?", and "What would you be doing if you weren't a soccer player?". Both players answered with jokes. When asked "Who is your favorite player?", Yuma Suzuki answered "Ogasawara" and then suddenly stood up, pumping his fist and chanting "Mi-tsu-o, Mi-tsu-o", saying, "Everyone, come to the stadium and cheer for us!" Seeing this, Ogasawara asked the children, "Has anyone heard this cheer at the stadium before?", but not a single child raised their hand.
At the end of the exchange, the children gave words of thanks and a bouquet of flowers. The players also presented autographed cards to the children and a pennant to the principal.
