I want to give my high school freshman son, who aspires to be a professional voice actor, the opportunity to gain announcing experience on a large stage.This time, "Dream Come True" project transforms mother's gentle dreams into reality.The voice that echoed throughout Noevir Stadium Kobe, the home base of Vissel Kobe, was vibrant yet suggested a resolute determination towards the future.

On September 28th, it was a sunny day with a temperature of 26.6℃.The 32nd round of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League between Vissel Kobe and Urawa Red Diamonds was held at Noevir Stadium Kobe, attracting 22,109 soccer fans.

Approximately 4 hours before the start of the game, the eldest son, who is the main character this time, and his mother, father, and younger brother, a total of 4 people, arrived at the stadium.There might have been a bit of tension, but I remember how their expressions, suggesting they were fully prepared, looked reassuring.He must have practiced a lot for this day.

‘I would like to introduce the players of Vissel Kobe.’ My son, who is a first-year high school student, is a member of the high school broadcasting club, and he is working hard at practicing announcing and reading aloud. The in-game announcements when we come to watch the match are so cool, he always imitate them. The speaker passionately discusses wanting to do player introductions and announcements for the visitors who have come. He is working hard to be able to participate in the national recitation contest next year. If he could get an opportunity to receive even more power, I would be very happy. I would greatly appreciate your cooperation.

Rakuten Group is collecting sports-related dreams from Rakuten members, and realizing them through a series project, “Dreams Come True”.This time, the project started moving due to a single application message sent from his mother.

The winning program started with presenting a Vissel Kobe uniform.Continuing, we showed him the motivational video message we had received from Daiya Maekawa in advance, elevating his motivation before facing the actual performance.Not only the person himself, but also his father, who once was a soccer boy and played as a goalkeeper, seemed deeply moved.Afterwards, we rented a press conference room and received a lecture on announcements from the Team Staff. He was reading the same script as the actual performance and receiving detailed instructions, such as corrections to intonation.

Receiving the uniform, a smile spills out.

Four people watching a video message from Daiya Maekawa.

The scene of the lecture held in the press conference room.

Then, move to the announcement room of Noevir stadium, which will be the actual stage.Under the supervision of the staff who usually make the in-house announcements, a rehearsal was conducted with him sitting next to them, using the same seats, microphones, and audio equipment as in the actual performance.An indication of her resolution to pursue her future dream of becoming a voice actor, she fearlessly projected her clear, resonant voice across the entire stadium, unhindered by the intimidating vista that unfolded beyond the window.

After that, a short break.Before I knew it, the stands were gradually filling up with supporters.Sending off the person heading for the real performance, the family also heads to the audience seats.The announcement experience on this day mainly consists of information broadcasted during the time leading up to the kickoff. The announcements during the game really need to be left to the professionals.

After the announcement in the venue explaining the purpose of this “Dream Come True” project, it was finally time for us to step in.The family listens to the voice coming from the speaker with a tense expression.The delivery was passionate yet very smooth, and the areas pointed out in the lecture had been properly corrected.It was an announcement so impressive, it could be mistaken for a professional.As if to acknowledge the efforts of the boy who played a major role, applause naturally erupted from the supporters.The relieved expression on the face of the person who had returned to their family told more than any words could.He must have firmly grasped the response to his dream.

Witnessing my son’s shining moment, tears well up.

27 years ago,his father, who was then a high school sophomore, was said to have visited this place for a soccer tournament.

“I intended to capture every single sound with my ears, but my heart was so full, it ended before I knew it.I’m still in a dreamlike state. It seems like they are very satisfied themselves.” (Mother)

“I’ve had a dreamlike time hearing my son’s voice in this way, at a stadium we often visit, during a match of Vissel Kobe, a team we love so much. I hope this experience serves as a stepping stone for him to spread his wings and soar in the future.” (Father)

“He’s an eccentric brother, but he takes his voice work very seriously. After hearing today’s announcement and seeing the applause from a large crowd, I thought, ‘That’s cool’.” (second son)

“I’m happy. However, my dreams are far from over, so I hope to use this experience to navigate through the rest of my life. I am truly grateful for this opportunity that has been provided this time.” (Eldest son)

It was about five years ago when the four of us first watched a Vissel Kobe match.Now, she told me that cheering at Noevir Stadium has become a “family event.” Attending every match is difficult due to club activities and work, but we still always discuss things like “Shall we go to the match at the end of next month?”, says the father.

From mother to eldest son.”It was the best I’ve ever heard so far. I believe it was an announcement that greatly touched everyone’s heart.There might have been some nervousness, but above all, it seems like you enjoyed it.I could sense that every single word was being carefully considered and spoken.Well done.”

The dream that came true on this day was the first step toward a much larger goal of becoming a voice actor.When you hit a wall or feel like giving up, you will surely recall this, won’t you?The cheers and applause from Vissel Kobe supporters responding to my voice, and the view of Noevir Stadium Kobe from the window of the announcement room.

Click here for the ‘Dreams Come True’ site

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