Report

Hometown Elementary School Visit: Kashima City Hachigata Elementary School

At Hachigata Elementary School in Kashima City, 131 students from the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades interacted with players Kubota and Machida, and C.R.O. Nakata. The interaction, held in the gymnasium, was divided into four groups and involved three fun activities: tail tag, territory ball toss, and a relay race. Led by C.R.O. Nakata, everyone started by introducing themselves. Player Kubota made the children laugh by saying, "I'm about the same height as all of you, but I'm 20 years old!"

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First, there was a demonstration. The players showcased their professional skills, with player Machida balancing the ball on his back while juggling, and player Kubota performing a cartwheel. C.R.O. Nakata joined in for juggling the ball over the children's heads, jokingly saying, "I'm worried about Machi (laughs)." Together with player Kubota, they successfully juggled the ball over the children's heads, drawing loud cheers.

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The first game was tail tag. This is a game the players are very familiar with from their school visits. As player Kubota predicted, "You run so much you get drenched in sweat," they ran around energetically with the children, using the entire space of the gymnasium from one end to the other.
The children were very proactive, bravely aiming for the players' tails. Some had their tails taken, while others were cornered. The players' sprints were more powerful than usual.

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The second game was territory ball toss. The goal was to see who could throw more red and white balls from their own territory into the opponent's territory. Player Kubota threw balls from the very back, while Player Machida and C.R.O. Nakata continuously threw balls from the front line near the net.

C.R.O. Nakata blocked a ball thrown by an opponent near the net!
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Player Kubota, discovering foul play by the opposing team, gestured a yellow card to appeal for a foul!
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The third event was a relay race. Players and C.R.O. Nakata joined each of the four teams for a team-versus-team all-member relay. Each team strategized before the start. C.R.O. Nakata's team planned to pull ahead of the other teams at the start. Players Kubota and Machida were set to run as the anchor runners.
In the end, it was a one-on-one battle between Player Kubota and Player Machida! As Player Kubota's team was in the lead, he shuffled his feet in place even after receiving the baton! He showed confidence towards Player Machida, but in the end, he dashed across the finish line and celebrated with the children.

Players counting numbers during the relay team formation
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Player Kubota was teased about his height, a joke he used during his self-introduction.
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Player Kubota, the last runner. Taking advantage of his lead, he didn't start until the opponent caught up. In the end, he crossed the finish line without being caught by Player Machida!
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Finally, the interaction concluded with the presentation of a signed paper and a pennant, followed by a commemorative photo. Player Kubota said, "I live nearby, so please say hello if you see me!" Player Machida said, "It was fun running and shouting with everyone. Let's play together again!" C.R.O. Nakata said, "Please use the Kids Pass and come watch the final championship game this year!" In the end, the children formed an arch and waved goodbye with high-fives.

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