Football Match Organized for Vietnamese People in Japan

On April 9, at the REDSLAND Stadium in Saitama City, Japan, the final round and award ceremony of the football game, “FAVIJA Kanto Cup 2023,” took place to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973-2023). It was a truly special occasion, as players from both countries had come together to compete and play in a spirit of friendship and camaraderie. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as the teams battled it out for the title of Champions. In the end, it was Vietnam who emerged as victorious, taking home the trophy and the title. The award ceremony that followed was a fitting tribute to the strong bond of friendship between the two nations. After the ceremony, the players from both sides posed for photos and exchanged memories of the tournament, a testament to the success of the Kanto Cup and the relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

The Vietnam Japan Cultural and Sports Exchange Association (FAVIJA) organized a game under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan. The game was aimed at fostering cultural and sports exchange between the two countries. FAVIJA hoped that the game would bring the people of Vietnam and Japan closer together.

64 teams selected from nearly 100 amateur teams of Vietnamese people living, studying, and working in Japan eagerly registered to participate in the game. After a rigorous qualifying round which kicked off on March 26, 32 teams emerged victorious and advanced to the final round.

The game was organized by the Vietnam Japan Cultural and Sports Exchange Association (FAVIJA) under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan. (Photo: Thoi Dai)

According to Nguyen Duc Minh, Charge d’Affaires of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, these football tournaments have positive and practical implications. They demonstrate the strong friendship between the two nations, and the mutual understanding of each other’s cultures and beliefs. Additionally, these tournaments have provided a platform for people from both countries to come together and enjoy a common sport. Furthermore, these tournaments have also enabled the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and have fostered a better understanding between the two countries.

I strongly support the activities of FAVIJA, which are geared towards helping the Vietnamese community, particularly young people, regarding health training, fostering exchanges, and strengthening solidarity. Through its efforts, FAVIJA has been instrumental in promoting the overall welfare of the Vietnamese community in Japan.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, and the FAVIJA football tournament is an event that highlights the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two countries. The tournament provides a great opportunity for Vietnamese youth to interact with Japanese people, learn about their customs and culture, as well as deepen their understanding of the determination and spirit of sports displayed by Vietnamese youth. As Nguyen Duc Minh stated, these activities are a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.

At the end of the tournament, Football Club AE38 won the championship. The runner-up is Football Club Asahi, while VNFFC and FC Kizuna both won the third prizes. (Photo: Thoi Dai)

At the conclusion of the tournament, Football Club AE38 emerged victorious as the champions. Runners-up Football Club Asahi were closely followed by VNFFC and FC Kizuna who both won third place prizes.

According to Do Quang Ba, President of FAVIJA, the four teams with the highest achievements at this Kanto regional football tournament will win tickets to the national football tournament to compete with the winning teams from the Kansai, Tokai, Kyushu, and Tohoku regions.