Japanese Professional Footballer Shinji Kagawa Officially Appointed as Ambassador to Promote Japan Overseas
Japanese professional footballer Shinji Kagawa has been appointed an official ambassador of “Relux,” a hotel booking site that offers a carefully selected line-up of the best hotels and ryokans around Japan. As an ambassador, Kagawa’s job will be to actively promote travel to Japan and the appeal of regions around Japan to the rest of the world.
In line with the news of his appointment, a video was officially released of Kagawa to promote Japanese ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese style inn.
Relux enables its members to pick the very best of Japan’s hotels and ryokan. The website showcases the uniqueness of each and every one of its listed hotels by detailing the culture, history and famous products surrounding their locations. They explain the establishment of each accommodation as well as the appeals of the regions they are situated in.
The reason behind Shinji Kagawa’s appointment lies in his extensive knowledge of Japan’s appeal and tourist attractions, as well as his experience living overseas for many years. As a footballer, Kagawa’s main focus has been his sport, but he expressed a deep desire to promote Japanese culture such as its fashion, food and lifestyle during his off season periods. It was therefore decided that he would become an official Relux ambassador.
The video released in line with his appointment shows him off season. He is located at the hot spring ryokan “Hakone Suishoen” which is a place listed on the Relux website. The video itself is a must-watch as we get to see Kagawa dressed in a yukata looking very relaxed while expressing his enthusiasm for Japanese ryokan, including hot springs and the tea ceremony.
Moreover, in conjunction with Kagawa being made an ambassador, Relux are hiring supporters to further promote their regions, meaning people in Japan can help spread the charm of Japan’s regions together with Shinji Kagawa, a man at the forefront of football worldwide!
■Information
“Relux” – Membership Booking Website for First Rate Hotels and Ryokan
Official Website: https://rlx.jp
Relux Supporters – Entry Deadline: September 10, 2017
Supporter Sign-up Page: https://rlx.jp/ambassador
Related Article：Ryohin Keikaku to Hold “My Found MUJI East Asia” Exhibition
Related Article：5 Yukata Rental Shops in Tokyo—Enjoy the Japanese Summer Fireworks and Festivals Even More
RELATED ENTRIES
-
On November 18, AEON’s fashion brand Doublefocus launched six pieces of apparel inspired by the soccer series Captain Tsubasa! These items will be available at 260 AEON and AEON Style locations nationwide as well as AEON Style Online. Captain Tsubasa Sweatshirt
Captain Tsubasa Hoodies Track Jacket T-Shirts Soccer is becoming more popular in Japan, and this is becoming apparent through its inclusion in various anime and manga series. If you’re a fan, be sure to grab one of these Captain Tsubasa shirts, sweatshirts, or hoodies! (c) 高橋陽一／集英社・2018キャプテン翼製作委員会 Information
Captain Tsubasa Collection
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Where to Buy: AEON and AEON Style locations nationwide
Web Shop:https://aeonretail.com/list/f-doublefocus-anime-02/
Sizes: S – XL
*S sizes for men are only available at select stores and AEON Style Online.
-
WOWOW will be broadcasting an incredible amount of European soccer matches during the 2022-23 season, including the Spanish LaLiga starting August 13. The UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League competitions will decide who is the best on the continent, and many are ready to tune in. The WOWOW European Soccer Theme Song for this season will be Fearless by the globally popular performer Miyavi, known to many as the samurai guitarist. Fearless was written by Miyavi himself. The artist formerly played soccer for Cerezo Osaka and channeled his memories of the competition and supporters into his music and lyrics. The song will begin airing during matches starting with the UEFA Super Cup 2022: Real Madrid vs. Frankfurt match on August 11. This season will be even more exciting than usual, with the World Cup scheduled to take place this November and December in Qatar.
Comment from Miyavi
“As a child, I wanted to become a professional soccer player and I practiced kicking a ball around every day. As a soccer fan, I imagined a song that would be played in a stadium and that everyone in the audience could sing along with. I created the music and melody to inspire listeners to feel a sense of unity and to soothe the soul. When I’m about to perform live or participate in a photo shoot, I always feel that sense of nervousness before a fight–that fear of failure before a challenge. I think that’s something everyone has felt at some point. All we need to do is put in the energy and work to overcome it. I hope you’ll sing along with the song, even at home in front of your TV.”Information
WOWOW European Soccer
Details: https://www.wowow.co.jp/sports/liga/
Theme Song
Fearless – MIYAVI
-
A new collaboration is bringing sports and demon-slaying together! For the SPORTS2021 x Demon Slayer event, the popular series is partnering with three sports leagues: the NPB, J-League, and B.League. Goods are now available for the long-awaited collaboration between Niigata’s ALBIREX soccer team and Demon Slayer, so sports and anime fans should snag some merchandise before it’s all gone! Items are available to pre-order online now until 2:00 on September 27, 2021.
ALBIREX x Demon Slayer T-Shirt: ¥3,600 (Tax Included)
ALBIREX x Demon Slayer Face Towel: ¥2,100 (Tax Included)
ALBIREX x Demon Slayer Mini Towel: ¥600 (Tax Included)
ALBIREX x Demon Slayer Ribbon Magnet: ¥1,980 (Tax Included)
ALBIREX x Demon Slayer Mug: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)
Don’t miss out on these one-of-a-time items!Information
ALBIREX x Demon Slayer
Pre-order Period: September 18, 2021 – September 27, 2021 2:00
Pre-order Site: https://www.albirexshop.com/SHOP/1142321/list.html
*Limited quantity available. Pre-orders will end when items are sold out.
Official Site: https://www.sports-kimetsu.com/
-
The Women's Empowerment League, or WE League, will be the first professional women's football league in Japan. Set to begin this year on September 12, BEAMS International's women's streetwear brand X-girl is designing the uniform for seven of the 11 participating clubs including Mynavi Sendai, Omiya Ardija Ventus, Chifure AS Elfen Saitama, JEF United Chiba, Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara, AC Nagano Parceiro, and Albirex Niigata. 'Wear the Hope' is the design concept behind the uniforms. Hoping to offer women courage, the uniforms embody the potential of women, with each club and its members' personalities expressed through colour and distinct design. It's a combination of soccer and street styles that screams 'this is definitely by X-girl.'
JEF United Chiba
Using a nanohana yellow as its base, the JEF United Chiba Uniform incorporates a classic camouflage design in the shape of Chiba that elicits a feeling of walking through the prefecture where the team are from.Albirex Niigata
Albirex Niigata's uniform colour is derived from Albireo, the double star in the head of the constellation of Cygnus which the team's name originates from. It's a combination of orange and blue, which makes one think of the gorgeous setting sun of Niigata above the Sea of Japan, and white, which is a reference to the swans returning home as well as the snow during winter.Nojima Stella Kanagawa Sagamihara
The corporate colours of Nojima blue and Nojima red are used for this uniform as a nod to Nojima, the electronics stores and parent body of the club located in the centre of Sagamihara. It has a futuristic design inspired by the digital world and electronics.AC Nagano Parceiro
'Parceiro' is Portuguese for 'partner' and refers to the partnership between the club and the region. The uniform uses triangles as its design base to represent three entities: the club, its sponsors, and its supporters. It also takes inspiration from Nagano's gorgeous mountains while the stripes represent oneness and speed.Mynavi Sendai Ladies
The city of Sendai where Mynavi Sendai Ladies hails from is famous for the Sendai Tanabata Festival. The club's antecedents, Vegalta Sendai, gets its name from Vega and Altair from the Tanabata story. Together with Deneb, Vega and Altair make up what's known as the Summer Triangle, an astronomical asterism. Mynavi Sendai Ladies' uniform is blue and features Deneb on the clubs' emblem for both the field players and goalkeeper.Chifure AS Elfen Saitama
Chifure AS Elfen Saitama formed in 1985 with a focus on women in soccer. Their new uniform, too, was made with women wearing it in mind in terms of both the design and colours. The blue is different from the club's iconic elfen blue colour and instead uses a special indigo dyeing technique. It pays respect to both the potential of female athletes while weaving in traditional Japanese design.Omiya Ardija Ventus
Omiya Ardija Ventus' uniform uses the same design as Omiya Ardija for their 2021 season. It incorporates bonsai motifs as a nod to the bonsai industry in Saitama. -
Imabari is a city in Ehime Prefecture that faces the Seto Inland Sea. Since olden times, it has flourished as an important location for marine traffic. It's home to a bounty of recognised national treasures and historical heritage sights, and is also famous for its production of citrus fruits such as mikan. Japanese pop star, model, and icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took a trip to this ancient city to discover its wonder and beauty. A Visit to the Historical Sea Route
Oyamazumi Shrine
A 'power spot' revered by prominent peopleOyamazumi Shrine has been revered by prominent figures throughout history as a place dedicated to the god of the mountain, god of the ocean, and the god of war. It's home to numerous Important Cultural Properties which are available for viewing by the public such as the armour worn by the military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune when the Minamoto clan won the Genpei War (1180-1185), armour worn by women, and more. The shrine is also a notable power spot for the ancient tree that has stood there for 2,600 years and is now recognised as a natural monument of Japan. Power spots are places in Japan where the spiritually-inclined draw energy from. InformationOyamazumi ShrineAddress: 3327 Omishimacho Miyaura, Imabari, Ehime 794-1393, JapanTEL: 0897-82-0032Opening Hours: Sunrise to 17:00National Treasure Building: 8:30-17:00 (Last Entries 16:30)Official Website: https://oomishimagu.jp/ Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area
Lip-smacking food aplentyIf you're one for great views, then the Kurushima Kaikyo service area is a must-visit, offering a panoramic look at the Kurushima Strait of the Seto Inland Sea. The service area is very well know particularly for the Jaguchi Mikan Juice, something of a city legend in Ehime where you can enjoy fresh mikan juice straight from a tap. You can also tuck a rice bowl dish made with tachiuo hairtail caught in the Seto Inland Sea that's made to look like Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, or try Imabari's soul food dish: the Imabari Yakibuta Tamago Meshi, a pork, egg, and rice bowl. Don't pass up the chance to snap a photo at the designated photo spot with the Seto Inland Sea in the back either like Kyary above. InformationKurushima Kaikyo Service AreaAddress: 3-9-68 Ohamacho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0002, Japan Food Court: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00 Shops: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00 Outside Shopping Area & Cafes: [Weekdays] 9:00-17:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 9:00-18:00 Official Website: https://www.jb-highway.co.jp/sapa/kurushima.php Murakami Suigun Museum
Dedicated to the Imabari heroes who protected the oceanMurakami Suigun Museum is dedicated to kaizoku—pirates, or lords of the sea—something which conjures to mind villainy or bad guys, but the Murakami pirates were also considered heroes who helped maintain order and protect the sea during the Sengoku warring period of Japan. The museum features many displays of Murakami family treasures including the battle surcoat which the pirate leader wore over his armour, proudly bearing the Murakami family crest. Visitors can wear replicas of this coat, which Kyary tired herself: "Now I'm sorta like a military commander too," she said. Information Murakami Suigun MuseumAddress: 1285 Miyakubocho Miyakubo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2203, Japan TEL: 0897-74-1065Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if the Monday falls on a public holiday) / New Year Holidays (Dec 29-Jan 3)Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/suigun/ Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan
A bundle of fun and entertainment in one placeRoll on up to Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan to enjoy a shichirin BBQ feast with fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea while gazing out across Kurushima Kaikyo. This building complex serves as a resting spot and is also the perfect place to purchase local souvenirs including Ehime specialty products. It's also famous for its offering the chance to board a boat to ride around Kurushima Kaikyo, renting out bicycles, and more. You'll also be able to meet Koro-chan, a popular fish who has lived there for 30 years. InformationRoadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kanAddress: 4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2114, JapanTEL: 0897-84-3710Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Restaurant: 10:00-16:00 (Last Orders 15:00)Closed: New Year's Day (and certain days in winter)Official Website: http://www.imabari-shimanami.jp/ikiiki/ Dolphin Farm Shimanami
Meet the cute and friendly dolphinsDolphin Farm Shimanami, which is connected to Hakata Beach, is the best and biggest place in Japan to interact with dolphins. Visitors can get close to them and the dolphins will show off their tricks and skills. There's even a car camping area you can stay at. InformationDolphin Farm ShimanamiAddress: 1673 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, JapanTEL: 0897-72-8787Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Closed: On days with bad weathOfficial Website: https://www.df-shimanami.com/ Hakata Beach
A white sandy beach rolling out 200-metersHakata Beach is located at the base of Oshima Bridge in Hakata. The beach is famous for its salt which is best tried on their popular sweet-tasting sea salt ice cream. InformationHakata Beach Address: 1668-1 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, Japan Sea Bathing: Early July - Late AugustOfficial Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=198 Imabari Towels
High quality towels woven with tradition and techniqueImabari is the biggest producer of towels in Japan. Even their white towels alone have countless types you can choose from, allowing you to pick which level of softness and comfort you want. The iconic brand logo is also impactful, capturing the quality, production, and enthusiasm that the makes have for the product. Kyary herself uses them all the time! Information Imabari TowelOfficial Website: https://www.imabaritowel.jp/ Sunrise Itoyama
Need a bike?Sunrise Itoyama, located in the Imabari Central Cycling Terminal, is a rental bicycle service that has bikes and helmets for everyone's needs. Rent out a bike and ride the Shimanami Sea Route which connects Ehime and Hiroshima with a series of bridges that hop across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Information Sunrise ItoyamaAddress: 2-8-1 Sunabacho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0001, JapanTEL: 0898-41-3196Rent-a-Cycle Details: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/archives/rentacycle/Official Website: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/ Marutomi
The famous restaurant known to every localIf you want the real experience of Imabari's yakitori soul food, you should visit Marutomi, a yakitori eatery. Imabari yakitori is different from the usual Japanese yakitori as it doesn't come skewered. Instead, the chicken is cut into small pieces and fried that way. One of the most popular ways to have it is with the skin on so the outside is crunchy and the inside succulent. It goes perfect with a cup of sake too. Information Marutomi2-3-6 Katayama, Imabari, Ehime 794-0063, JapanTEL: 0898-23-2740Opening Hours: 17:30-22:00Closed: WednesdaysOfficial Website: https://maru-marutomi.jp/ Imabari Castle
A castle by the seaImabari Castle, built by the daimyo Tōdō Takatora, is known famously as one of Japan's three "Castles on the Sea" and was also listed in Japan's Top 100 Castles. When it was first constructed, boats could enter the moat from the ocean. It's a site that breathes the prosperity that Imabari has enjoyed as a significant location for maritime traffic, the same Imabari that the Murakami pirates sought to protect. Head on up to the top of the castle to stand on the observation deck and gaze at an unbroken view of the city. InformationImabari CastleAddress: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0036, JapanTEL: 0898-31-9233Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Closed: December 29 - December 31Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/imabarijo/ Kirosan Observatory Park
A breathtaking spectacle to rememberKirosan Observatory Park is officially recognised by Setonaikai National Park. Standing atop the observation deck fills the eyes with wonder as they gaze upon a panoramic stretch of Imabari, the Seto Inland Sea, and Kurushima Kaikyo all at once. Kyary wrapped up her time in Imabari here as the sunset coloured the sky and sea in warm evening hues. Information Kirosan Observatory Park Address: 487-4 Yoshiumicho Minamiura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2115, JapanNo Fixed Holidays Open 24-hours a day Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=182 Imabari Tourism Information: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/ We hope you enjoyed joining Kyary on her adventures across Imabari, and perhaps she even got you a little curious in wanting to visit the city yourself. It's a treasure trove filled with vistas by the sea, in nature, and in the city itself with its Important Cultural Properties. Food is also a big part of travel for many people, so you can rest assured that your belly will be satisfied in Imabari as you try their speciality mikan, fresh seafood fished in the Seto Inland Sea, and more. Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyarypappa (＠kyarypappa)
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamyurin (＠pamyurin)
Official Website: http://kyary.asobisystem.com/
-
The reception staff are ready and waiting to greet customers with a smile
The all new Matsuyama Tourist Information Centre finally opened in the heart of Matsuyama—the capital city of Ehime Prefecture in Japan—in Okaido on May 27. You'll find it on the first floor of Matsuyama Mitsukoshi which isn't even a one-minute walk from Okaido Station. It features an interior fusion combining history and culture with a design inspired by Matsuyama Castle while also throwing in a contemporary feel.Six giant screens serve as the perfect place for tourism-related PR of Matsuyama
The first sight many visitors will lay their eyes on upon entering the information centres are the six screens spanning 1.5 meters high and 4.5 meters across the wall. Here, a variety of promotional material centred on the highlights of Matsuyama will be displayed. The information centre offers many useful services, including for foreign customers who don't speak Japanese. There is a translation and interpreting service, money exchange, rental electrical outlets for smart devices, and more. The staff themselves are multilingual, but the interpreting service includes access to a call centre which you can access using the free WiFi or using an iPad. The availability of foreign currency exchange is also extremely beneficial as Matsuyama is a city abundant with long-standing shops that have been around for decades and longer. Another convenience with the centre is easy access to public transport. If you're looking to travel around the prefecture, we recommend paying a visit to the centre first as it's sure to provide valuable information. You can even rent mobile batteries for your smartphone to lessen the stress when sightseeing.The pictogram shows the many handy services available
Visitors will also find a comprehensive duty-free counter inside the information centre which covers all stores in Okaido, Gintengai, Matsuchika Town, Dogo Shoten, and Ropeway Shotengai. You must spend over ¥5,000 (before tax) on products to be duty-free eligible. Since it's a comprehensive service, if you have multiple receipts you can be exempt from tax as long as all your receipts exceed ¥5,000. Participating stores have special stickers plastered up inside so tourists can quickly and easily identify them.Stores participating in the duty-free service have stickers and signs to show it
For example, if you spend ¥500 at participating stores in Dogo Shotengai, ¥1,000 in Okaido Shopping Street, and ¥3,500 in Gintengai Shotengai, and take all three of those receipts adding up to ¥5,000 to the information centre, you can get your items duty free. But keep in mind that the receipts have a validity period on them, so be sure to check opening hours. The Matsuyama Tourist Information Centre serves as the perfect site for bringing in all kinds of tourists, including foreign travellers, to Matsuyama post-COVID. The information also goes by the cute nickname "Dan Dan info." Dan dan is an old Ehime phrase meaning "thank you" and ties in with the smiling and hospitable welcome staff wish to greet guests with. It's exciting to look into the future and see how Matsuyama's tourism and economic growth will develop in its shopping districts, stores, and elsewhere. Make one of your first stops the Matsuyama Tourist Information Centre when visiting the city.Information
Matsuyama Tourist Information Centre
Opened: May 27, 2021
Address: Matsuyama Mitsukoshi Floor 1F Atrium Space Court, 3-1-1 Ichibancho, Matsuyama, Ehime
Homepage: https://matsuyama-tourism.com/
Facebook: dandaninfo
Instagram: dandaninfo_matsuyama