In September 2025, Keigo HIGASHI and Go HATANO visited the Chofu Tobitakyu (Thu) School!
▢ Keigo HIGASHI
Keigo HIGASHI visited the Kindergarten class and the 1st and 2nd grade elementary classes at the Chofu Tobitakyu (Thu) School!
▽Group Photo▽
At first, the school students seemed a bit nervous, but when Higashi asked them, "Do you want to become a soccer player?", their tension gradually eased.
Higashi carefully explained the tips and key points of passing and juggling while demonstrating the techniques in play.
The students listened intently to Keigo Higashi’s words about the importance of foot angle, force control, and using both feet, and their focused expressions as they said, “Let’s try doing it as taught!” were very impressive.
During the question time
“Which team do you think is strong?”
“Please tell us about players you are close with at FC Tokyo!”
In response to such questions
"I think Vissel Kobe is a tough and difficult team to play against."
"It's Min Gyu JANG. We often go out to eat Korean food together! He communicates with me in Japanese."
He answered each of the school students' questions carefully!
Also, when a question about the passing drills currently being practiced at the school was raised,
"It's not just about kicking with the foot you're good at, but also being able to kick with the weaker foot. To achieve this, I think it's important to challenge yourself and try new things, such as practicing by switching the kicking foot and the foot that stops the ball."
He gave advice, and not only the school students who actually exchanged passes with player Higashi, but also those who were watching the scene listened intently with serious expressions.
After the Q&A session, he signed autographs for each student and handed over "Guts Gear," kindly provided by AJINOMOTO CO., INC., from player Higashi!
High-fives with the school students at the end!
As they parted, voices shouted, "Good luck in the Tokyo Verdy match!" and Higashi responded with a smile!
▢ Go HATANO
Go HATANO visited the Tobitakyu (Thu) School during the sessions for 3rd & 4th graders and 5th & 6th graders!
▽Group Photo▽
Due to Go HATANO's towering height, the school students exclaimed in surprise, "So tall!" and "I've never met someone this tall before!"
At first, the school students were nervous, but thanks to Go HATANO's natural cheerfulness, they quickly warmed up to him!
During the question time
"How much food did you eat when you were a child?"
"How often did you touch the ball in a week?"
"How can you become a better goalkeeper?"
In response to these questions,
"I ate five meals: breakfast, lunch, before practice, after practice, and dinner!"
"I kicked the ball every day. I don't think there was a day I didn't kick it."
"Be proactive as a goalkeeper during practice and matches, and come to love being a goalkeeper!"
He carefully answered the questions from the school students and shared episodes such as the story with Sota HIRAYAMA that became the reason Go HATANO chose the number 13 jersey, which surprised not only the students but also their parents.
He also gave advice on passing, which the students are currently working on at the school, demonstrating while actually using the ball: "When I have the ball, I focus on the forward player who is the farthest away and connect the pass. I always control the ball where I can kick it and make sure the opponent never takes it away. At the same time, I also keep an eye on the positions of my teammates in advance," emphasizing the awareness unique to the important position of goalkeeper.
The school students watched Go HATANO with serious eyes, and it was very impressive to see them nodding at each and every word.
After the Q&A session, he signed autographs and handed out "Guts Gear" provided by AJINOMOTO CO., INC. to each student!
High-fived all the school students at the end!
"Become a pro and let's play soccer together at Ajinomoto Stadium!" was the message delivered!
