LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL PROJECT, START!! Part 32009.05.02

Anyway, amidst all the challenges, the match preparations started to come together!! However, we ran into a logistical issue... Because we decided to hold the match at the same time of year as the Shingenko Festival, we were really struggling to find accommodation for the night before the match. Personally, I wanted to give the players an opportunity to experience a really nice aspect of Yamanashi, and wanted to have them stay in a ryokan (inn) at the Ishiwa Onsen (thermal springs) near the stadium. But naturally the once-a-year festival is also a very big time of year for ryokans. For an athlete the night before a match, a room to yourself is a must, so to find a ryokan with room for a football team is no easy task. But despite our tall order, the ryokan that is possibly the best at Ishiwa Onsen got on board and, supporting the purpose of our project, really cooperated with us.

The name of that inn is Wajo-En!!
http://www.wajoen.jp/

We were still a few rooms short, so Itoyanagi, a ryokan from the same group, came to the rescue.

http://www.itoyanagi.co.jp/

Both were really excellent ryokans, and I personally really liked Wajo-En in particular for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. These were good features of the prefecture that even I didn't know of despite being a Yamanashi local. I do have family in Yamanashi anyway, but this made me feel even more like visiting again. Everyone please give them a try if you are visiting Yamanashi!!

Also, about all I had seen of Yamanashi's wineries was when I went on an excursion to one with social studies class, but this time we went to one called Sadoya as a team. It's a winery with a history of 100 years.

http://www.sadoya.co.jp/

I had been hearing that Japan's wine has really been improving its standard lately, and had tried it a few times but to be honest nothing had really impressed me. But at this winery we visited, they brought out a 1977 vintage (the year I was born), and it was so delicious! Although, to be perfectly truthful, what I liked even more were the grape juice and cheesecake they produce there! This winery is located close to Kofu station, so do look it up when in Yamanashi!!

So in this way, the organisation of the match itself, as well as arrangements for events, PR, and for the players' leisure all fell into place and it was time for the match. But to tell the truth, I really wasn't expecting to lose. Haha. Based on our games leading up to this one, I thought we were plenty strong enough to put up a fight. To be honest, in a childish moment after the game, I was so fired up about having lost that I was thinking “If we keep this up, this project won't be sustainable. We've messed up big time.” But of course what is important is that lots of people enjoyed the event, including the match; that Kofu and Yamanashi were given an opportunity to show their appeal; and most importantly of all, that lots of people inspired by this action raised their hands for their region to host a match in future. In a way this is pleasing, but of course it is only meaningful if it eventuates...

In any case, I intend to get back to you with a proper summary of the results of the match in Kofu, Yamanashi this time, and also think about what aspects need to be changed for next time and let you know my plans.

The LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL PROJECT is really just getting started - it has only taken its first step on what will be a long, long road, but it is a big step. I really want to work hard to make this succeed, so I hope you'll be there to support me along the way!!

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