Rakuten Group has launched a project called "Dreams Come True," which solicits dreams related to sports from Rakuten members and strives to make them come true.This time, a man living in Hyogo Prefecture was selected. The dream was a heartwarming one, where they planned a surprise for three children who passionately support Vissel Kobe.

On July 7th, a break in the rainy season resulted in clear skies. The Ibuki no Mori Ground in Kobe city, where Vissel Kobe’s official practice takes place, experienced an early arrival of intense summer-like heat.The area near the pitch is incredibly hot because there is no shade.On this day, which was an open practice day, by 9:30 in the morning, the stands next to the pitch were filled with many supporters, but even at this time, it was hot, too hot!Is everyone alright?

In such a scorching spectator stand, I spotted the family who would realize their dream in this “Dreams Come True” project. The family members, other than the father who applied, the mother and three children, have not been fully informed about “Dreams Come True”project. On a typical holiday, it seems he was invited with the words, “We won the lottery to watch the public practice, let’s go.”The eldest daughter is a fan of the  Shota Arai, the second daughter is a fan of the Nanasei Iino, and the eldest son is said to be a fan of Juzo Ura. Upon hearing the news announced on July 3rd about player Ura’s transfer to Ehime FC on a development term limit, he later told me he was a bit down that day.

After about an hour, when the public practice session ended, the family was told by the staff, “We’d like to hear your thoughts on winning the ‘Dreams Come True’ project.” and were led to the clubhouse inside the practice venue.From here on out is the real deal of ‘Dreams Come True’ project.

This happened about five minutes after we started talking in a room inside the clubhouse.Just behind the children who were talking to the staff, the entrance door suddenly opened, and the one who appeared was the athlete  Nanasei Iino who had just finished practice.Suddenly, our eyes met and the second daughter burst into tears from sheer surprise.It’s not surprising, given that their favorite player is suddenly standing right in front of them.Seeing her like that, Iino said, “It moved me too.”After that, they were fully engaged in fan service, responding to signs, handing out gifts, and taking commemorative photos.When leaving the room, he gently spoke to his second daughter, “Don’t cry too much, okay?” and left, demonstrating his gentlemanly demeanor.

“I never thought you would come, I’m on the verge of tears…I was happy to receive a present. I will continue to support you, Mr.Iino.” (second daughter).

The excitement in the room hasn’t cooled down.Next, the staff turns to the eldest son and says, “We have actually received a message from Ura.” and casually opens a laptop.The comments from Ura start to stream on the screen.”I’m sorry that we couldn’t meet today, but I’m going to Ehime and will do my best. I appreciate your support.Let’s meet again.” Even though the eldest son knew that a face-to-face meeting would not be possible after the transfer, he couldn’t help but cry at the surprise video from Ura.When the staff handed over the autographed gift they had kept for him, he couldn’t stop my tears.

“I was so surprised that I ended up crying. Mr.Ura, keep doing your best even in new places.” (Eldest son)

When it comes to this point, I really want one more person to come, no matter what.Everyone wishes so, recalling the strenuous training scenes they had witnessed up until the last moment.”Just as I thought, it’s impossible…” The moment that sentiment began to permeate the room, the door was flung open with force. Finally,  Arai has come! Despite having anticipated it, the eldest daughter cowers, unable to look directly at the figure of her “favorite” that has appeared before her eyes. “That much? I’m not that kind of guy (laughs).” said Arai, lightening the mood. He then continued, “Thank you always. Finally, I thought you were not around.” he said in a single sentence.This must have been quite pleasing.

“I fell in love with the way they passionately cheered from the bench, as well as their triumphant pose when they stopped a shot.It was cool to meet you in person. I will continue to support you, so please do your best.” (Eldest Daughter)

“When my two older sisters were young, I couldn’t take them on trips or to amusement parks like a typical family would. I couldn’t create memories for them.The reason I applied this time was to fill such a void.In this way, I can contribute to my family and I am very satisfied. I believe there are many families like ours, so please continue ‘Dreams Come True’ project for people like us.”

Thus, the dream of my father and the entire family came true with this “Dreams Come True”project. It was a day when we could clearly envision the “better future” that the Rakuten Group’s slogan  “Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER” points to. As we were leaving, the words that the mother, who had been watching over everyone from start to finish, suddenly spoke to us still softly resonate in my heart.

“He said we were  just going to watch the public practice. I was so surprised that I ended up crying too.I’m glad. I had a wonderful dream.”

Click here for the ‘Dreams Come True’ site

TEXT: Yohsuke Watanabe(IN FOCUS)
PHOTO: Hiromi Okubo