Nomo Elementary School reportedly has only 42 students and 28 households. We enjoyed interacting with all of them. The principal, a sportsman who also played rugby, joined us in lively conversations about soccer and rugby in his office upon our arrival.
When the players appeared in the gym where the interaction took place, the children were overjoyed. First, they played the children's favorite "Janken Train" (Rock-Paper-Scissors Train), and the interaction started with lots of smiles. Player Kanamori also looked happy when the leader of his line won Rock-Paper-Scissors!
Next was a demonstration. They showcased juggling without dropping the ball. Big applause erupted when they passed the ball using their heads! Children and even the principal participated and enjoyed it. During "Birdcage" (a game where players try to steal the ball from each other), a child who was proud of his soccer skills appeared. He diligently tried to keep up with the pros' quick passing.
The main event was the much-anticipated dodgeball. All the students ran around the court together. Player Kubota and Player Kanamori were on separate teams. They blended in with the children like "good big brothers," catching balls at the front, and sometimes taking hits to protect their teammates.
Finally, they challenged the children to a mini-soccer game, where they could fully showcase their professional skills. Coach Jo joined Player Kubota and Player Kanamori, making it a team of three. First, they played against the 1st to 3rd graders team, and the players' team won 2-1. In the penalty shootout, Player Kubota drew laughter with a pose like rugby player Goromaru.
At this point, it was time for the 1st and 2nd graders to go home, so they said goodbye after a commemorative photo.
The mini-game continued with the older students. A girl scored a brilliant goal against them, but Player Kanamori's dribble led to a goal, evening the score.
At the end of the interaction, Player Kanamori smiled and said, "It was a lot of fun" during his farewell greeting. Player Kubota appealed, "Please come cheer for us at the stadium." After presenting autograph boards and pennants and taking a commemorative photo, the interaction concluded.
Despite being a small school, the children's sense of solidarity and their friendly interactions across different grades were evident. The two players were surprised by the children's energy and smiles, and they were excited about how well the interaction went, even in the car on the way back.
