Under the concept of "Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER", the Rakuten SUPER MATCH was held at the Japan National Stadium on October 21. In the hearts of the supporters, along with the victorious figure of Vissel Kobe, the message towards the future shown by the Rakuten Group was engraved.

When it comes to the Japan National Stadium, it’s a sacred place for Japanese soccer where historical matches have been held countless times.The recent Rakuten SUPER MATCH held at such a location was enveloped in an intense enthusiasm so overwhelming that it occasionally took one aback.It was also a time when Vissel Kobe could not afford to lose in their pursuit of their first league victory.In addition, the various efforts throughout the stadium to communicate the Rakuten Group’s guiding concept, “Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER”, surely connected the supporters in a deeper way.

Outside the stadium, a photo booth has been set up where you can have a simulated experience of taking a two-shot with a player from Vissel Kobe.Not just for filming, but it’s something where the supporters can choose their favorite words from a multitude of messages conveying what we can do now for the future, such as “small actions can become significant support” and “a society that can encourage people to take on new challenges”.In addition to Vissel Kobe athletes, messages from athletes of other genres who support the “Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER” philosophy were also introduced at the booth.The game was so popular that the line didn’t stop until it started.

In food and beverage outlets inside and outside the Japan National Stadium, Rakuten Group and Vissel Kobe have collaborated to introduce drink cups made of renewable material LIMEX.By providing dedicated collection boxes, the approach to upcycling has been made more effective.

Furthermore, cutlery made from the same environmentally-friendly materials has been introduced to all food and beverage outlets within and outside the Japan National Stadium.At the Japan National Stadium, almost 100% of the waste is recycled, making the efforts towards recycling that have been carried out so far even more efficient.

These efforts, including offsetting half a day’s worth of CO₂ emissions from the attendees of the Rakuten SUPER MATCH and the CO₂ emissions (134t) associated with the travel of Vissel Kobe’s players and staff using J-Credit derived from renewable energy, were successfully implemented.In recent years, especially in overseas sports games, it’s not uncommon for the issue of spectator manners, such as litter scattering in the stands, to be highlighted.If these conservation efforts from Japan can be disseminated to the world, it may gradually change such situations.

During the kick-off ceremony and the half-time talk session, Mr. Tomoaki Makino, former player of Vissel Kobe, made an appearance. He spoke about the future of sports he envisions, linked to “Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER”.

“Due to the effects of global warming, the places and time for children to freely play outdoors are decreasing.”That’s why I believe it’s important to create an environment through these kinds of events where people want to do more sports, watch more games, and feel glad that they came” (Tomoaki Makino).

The Japan National Stadium, specially decorated for the Rakuten SUPER MATCH.The players of Vissel Kobe also conveyed a message for the future of sports and disseminated it.What does sports mean to oneself, and what does sports bring to society?While the answers varied, it provided an opportunity for the visitors to think about the future of sports.

In the VIP room, they offer specially made bento boxes produced by companies in Kobe and smoothies produced at Rakuten Farm.While watching the game, it was a special space where one could taste the local Kobe and healthy food culture.

What kind of future might the over 50,000 soccer fans, who gathered at the Japan National Stadium on this day, have envisioned through watching sports? Rakuten Group’s efforts will continue until the day when everyone can practice and realize “Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER”.

TEXT : Kodai Wada PHOTO: Teppei Hori EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)