In September 2025, Keigo HIGASHI and Go HATANO visited the Chofu Tobitakyu (Thursday) School!
▢Keigo HIGASHI
Keigo HIGASHI visited the Tobitakyu (Thu) school during the Kindergarten class and the 1st and 2nd grade elementary school class hours!
▽Group Photo▽
At first, the school students were a bit nervous, but when player Higashi asked them, "Do you want to become a soccer player?", their tension gradually eased.
Player Higashi carefully explained the tips and key points of passing exchanges and juggling while actually demonstrating the play.
The school students listened intently to player Higashi's words about the importance of foot angle, force control, and using both left and right feet, and it was very impressive to see them concentrating with the mindset of "Let's try doing it exactly as taught!"
During the question time
"Which team do you think is strong?"
"Please tell me which 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."
"I often go to eat Korean food with Min Gyu JANG! He communicates with me in Japanese."
And carefully answered each question from the school students one by one!
Also, when questions arise about the passing techniques currently being practiced at the school,
"It's not just about kicking with the foot you're good at, but also being able to kick with the foot you're less skilled with. To achieve this, I think it's important to practice by switching the kicking foot and the foot that stops the ball, and to keep challenging and trying new things."
The students who actually exchanged passes with player Higashi, as well as the students who were watching, listened intently with serious expressions as advice was given.
After the Q&A session, each person received an autograph, and player Higashi handed over "Guts Gear" provided by AJINOMOTO CO., INC.!
High five with the school students at the end!
As we parted, voices shouted, "Good luck in the Verdy match!" and Higashi responded with a smile!
▢Go HATANO
Go HATANO visited the Chofu Tobitakyu (Thursday) school during the 3rd-4th grade and 5th-6th grade sessions!
▽Group Photo▽
From Go HATANO's impressive height, the school students exclaimed, "So tall!" and "I've never met someone this tall before!" expressing their surprise!
At first, the school students were nervous, but thanks to Go HATANO's natural cheerfulness, they quickly warmed up to the students!
During the question time
"How much rice 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 such questions,
"I ate five meals: morning, noon, before practice, after practice, and night!"
"I kicked the ball every day. I don't think there was a day I didn't kick it."
"Actively play as a goalkeeper during practice and matches, and come to love being a goalkeeper!"
He carefully answered questions from the school students and talked about episodes such as the one with Sota HIRAYAMA, which became the reason why player Go HATANO wears the number 13 jersey. Not only the school students but also the parents showed surprised expressions.
He also gave advice on the passing drills currently being practiced at the school, saying, "When I have the ball, I focus on the farthest forward player and connect passes. Always control the ball where you can kick it, and be conscious of never letting the opponent take the ball. At the same time, keep an eye on the positions of your teammates in advance." He demonstrated these important awareness points unique to the goalkeeper position while actually using the ball.
The school students watched player Go HATANO with serious eyes, and it was very impressive to see them nodding at each and every word.
After the question time, we signed autographs and handed out "Guts Gear" provided by AJINOMOTO CO., INC. to each person!
High five with all the school students at the end!
"Let's become professionals and play soccer together at Ajinomoto Stadium!" was the message sent!
