Libero’s Lucky Costumes

Hi! Ken here.

I got a high fever of 39.5℃　here in Johannesburg where the altitude is 1500m and it is hard to even boil water. 

Finally my temperature went down to normal yesterday, and I am getting ready for the Japan vs. Paraguay game tomorrow.

But I am still a bit under the weather, so I am resting at home today.

I ended up never finding out whether I have the flu or the measles.
Even though my temperature went down, it’s not something that heals quickly.

Thank you all for your kind and encouraging messages!


Now, I’m going to show you my three treasured costumes.
With these lucky charms, Japan can beat Paraguay.

First of all, here is my familiar samurai armor, which I am wearing in the picture of the main page of this blog.

I think that most Japanese supporters have seen it on the blog or on TV.

This is what is looks like before I put it on.

It’s plastic, so it’s lighter than you may think.

This samurai armor was made for us (Libero) by Tsun-san who is the head of the “Samurai Topknot Supporters” who was at the Olympics in Bejiing to cheer on Japan. 

He brought the armor to South Africa for us from Japan!

I’ve heard that Tsun-san has not only been on TV in South Africa, but has also appeared on some Japanese infotainment shows. Great job!

On the right side of the chest is “Baka-tono”, 

a character from a very famous Japanese comedy show.

On the left side is the JFA (Japan Football Association) emblem.

Did you know that it is pretty hard to put on?

I’ve worn this twice, and Japan has won both times!

(*I didn’t wear it to the Japan vs. Netherlands game in Durban, because it
was too far away from our “home” to wear it.)

So, I am going to wear it to the Japan vs. Paraguay game in Pretoria.
I will do whatever it takes to win the game!

Here’s my next costume:

The “Score Prediction Hat”!

I heard it was shown quite often on TV in Japan too.
I wore the “Score Prediction Hat” showing 3-0 to the Japan vs. Cameroon game…and Japan won 1-0.

Being humble, I wore the hat with 1-0 to the Japan vs. Netherlands game, and Japan ended up losing by that score.

At the Japan vs. Denmark game, the prediction was 3-0, and if the Dutch didn’t score that PK, it would have been right on.

So, the hat stays at 3-0 for the Japan vs. Paraguay game.
I will do whatever it takes to win the game!

And last but not least…
This t-shirt is what I wear under my samurai armor and Japan national team uniform.

A HONDA t-shirt.

I tried to take a cool picture of me wearing this shirt, but look, I am wearing slippers! I guess I still must be feeling a little under the weather.

I bought it from a Japanese website before going to see Honda play in the Russian football league.

I’m going to bring these three costumes to the game.
I’m going to get my health up to par as much as possible and then head off to the battlefield.

Wish me luck! Wish Japan luck!

We assume that Japan will win, so I’ve put Spain and Portugal flags on my hat.

Finally, before I go, I’ve got a favor to ask all of you. Put on something blue, anything blue, and cheer for Japan!

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Miss World Cup: Spain vs Chili

Hello. This is Atsushi.


I watched the game Spain vs Chili on 25th June at Pretoria.


As I mentioned before, my boddy Ken downed. 
So I took to the field with another Samurai.

Now, I'll show some Latina beautiful women from Spain and Chili!

Latina women like to dance to "WAKA WAKA" the FIFA official song.

I guess there are more Chili supporter than Spanish at the stadium.

We're both throwing a deuces.

These are very energetic kids.

Their faces are completely painted.

This is the 10th memorial game I've seen in South Africa.

15 days have passed since the commencement of the comp. On average, we've watched two games per three days. What a overburdened schedule.

For this reason, Ken and I have fallen sick.

As a proverb goes, "He that wants health wants all."

I will take care of my body, too.

I saw some Japanese supporters.

One of them was wearing this.

Look at the emblem.

The date and place are embedded.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the game Japan vs Denmark is the best game in the past our World Cup history. I think this blue jersey become a treasure for him!

The crowd in the stadium saw me wearing blue jersey and said, "Congratulations!" many times.

They plastered me with praise saying, "Well done!!" or "Fantastic free kick!!"

I'm really happy about being on the victorious side!

Anyway, looking after our bodies, we cancelled the trip to Durban and decided to rest up till the next Samurai's game against Paraguay on this Tuesday!!

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Miss World Cup!: Japan vs Denmark

Ayoba! This is Atsushi.
Ayoba is "good" in the local language in South Africa.


First, let me show down the film from the last Samurai's game against Denmark!


This must be a historical game ever!
We supporters got so excited about their winning!
Take a look at it!!

Now let's get into business!


On my way, we met white women painting their faces.

They are from South Africa.

They were really friendly and painted my face, too.


The next woman is a supporter of Denmark.

I'm wearing a Danish wig.

It's hard to tell which side she's in. 

I took some pictures of Japanese women. 
But they don't like being posted here. Unlucky.


By the way, my partner Ken downed after the game.
He caused high fever (39 ℃).


I'm afraid he's not back by the next game against Paraguay.


Please cheer him up!






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Match Report: Japan vs. Denmark –Japan advances to the knockout round!

Congratulations to Japan! This is Atsushi.

Japan beat Denmark 3-1, and advanced to the knockout round for the first time on foreign soil!

I was there at the stadium when Japan made history!
I’m so proud that I was there to see history being made.

I’ll send some video from the match later, but first of all I’ll upload some pictures from this memorable day!

We arrived in Rustenburg while it was still light out, and were interviewed by Fuji TV, a Japanese major TV network.

Second from the right is Mr. Omura of Fuji TV

We were interviewed by the same reporter 4 years ago at the World Cup in Germany.

Here’s a photo of us with some Denmark supporters near the stadium.

I borrowed a Viking hat for this pic.

When we got to the stadium, we bumped into Japan national team’s defender Nagatomo’s sister again.

Nagatomo’s brother was also there, so we all took a photo together.

Nagatomo’s brother is in the middle, his sister is 2^nd from the left.

I told Nagatomo’s sister that we got several hundred thousand hits on our blog. She was really surprised.

The pictures after the game are much better, so let’s fast-forward to the end of the game.

The man of the match, Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow) came over alone to salute the crowd.

After letting out a triumphant yell, us supporters took a picture together.

We took a photo with the “bowling pin” supporters, 

who are popular with the locals.

I twitted that the “bowling pins” had gone home, but it seems that just the people inside went home, and they passed on their costumes to their friends.

A picture of all of us.regular supporters

It’s hard to believe this is South Africa! We’re here with our fellow supporters who we see all the time in Japan. We all came in different ways under different circumstances, but still, we are all here!

A photo with my buddy Ken. Libero is celebrating Japan’s advance to the knockout round.

Our supporter friend Ebi-san who we only see at away games, always has a great flag. This once says “First we get through to the knockout round .We’re not going home to Japan yet!”

Here’s a photo with a supporter of Endo. 

He scored a great goal this game!

A photo explaining this game’s result.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium was so quiet after the game

The game ended at 10:30 local time. We headed off for our home 130km away, and finally arrived at 3am.

Since we’re going to see Spain vs. Chile tomorrow, I thought I should sleep, but I realized that the supporters in Japan pulled an all-nighter to see the game, so I stayed up as well to write my blog entry.

Now it’s 6am in South Africa, so I’m going to go to sleep. Tomorrow I’ll post the videos, and Ken will post the “Miss World Cup” blog.

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Spreading our wings around the world!!

What's up? This is Ken.


As our national team's challenging the world, we Libero also appeal ourselves internationally.


At this moment, our global expansion projects are as follows.




1, Interviewed by SABC concerning FIFA Word Cup 2010!


We were interviewed by South African national broadcast station SABC.

2, Tracked down by CNN!

http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/play/tracking-down-japans-no1-fans-514393

We were interviewed by CNN. 
Things like this just happen.

We took advantage of this to publicize Libero Cafe and this blog.


Libero cafe is open over night so that you can watch the World Cup even in midnight. 


About 100 seats have already been reserved for the game Japan vs Denmark.




3, Internationalized "Football Unites the World" blog.

Did you know that this blog is originated in Japanese language blog?


If you understand Japanese, check this out! 

http://ameblo.jp/libero2010/

Thankfully, one of my friends Nishijo, who I met in Australia, is putting a great effort in establishing this English language blog.


Staying in Australian, Nishijo is also reporting how Aussies're going with World Cup in his blog.

 http://ameblo.jp/yakimareds22/entry-10566942894.html

During the World Cup, timely translation is given in corresponding with our Japanese blog. 


At the same time, the past archives are also enriched .


I'd like you to inform your friends of our fanatic traveling!!


Thank you.



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Miss World Cup!: Spain vs Honduras

Good evening! This is Ken.


Last night, we went to the match Spain vs Honduras.


My parter Atsushi got in a trouble. He gonna report by himself in another place.


Tonight, I gonna host the Miss World Cup, which has been recognized these days!


There were many supporters wearing red jersey in the stadium.
I saw a few Honduras supporters, too.


I took a shot of a guy this time.




【Spain Supporters】

【Honduras Supporters】

【None of the above】

There are many Chinese people as well in the stadium.

They are dancing to the FIFA official song "WAKA WAKA"

《For those in Tokyo》


Are you in Tokyo now? Then just go to "Libero Cafe" to watch the games.
Libero Cafe is equipped with 5 big screens and a sophisticated sound device.
An accommodation facility is also available near the cafe.


Location: 1-14-1Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo and will be open daily 11am-11 pm. Entrance is ¥500 from 11am-6pm and ¥1,000 from 6pm until the end of the last game. For more information, call (03) 6322-4786.




Follow us on Twitter!! 
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We appreciate if you would publicize our blog and Twitter within your circle of your soccer friends or acquaintances.  

Come to Libero cafe’s “Public Morning” for Japan vs. Denmark match!!!

Hi, this is Ken.

Every team has already had two games in each group tournament. 


From now on, it will get a lot harder for each team, as the third game will decide their fate: a winner or loser, heaven or hell. 


Some teams can still keep playing; others have to go.

At the same time, start time are changed. No games will kick off at 20:30 (Japan time) like that game of Japan against Netherland. 


It will be either 23:00 or 3:30 a.m.

At Libero Cafe, supporters are excited!

I guess people in Japan are really looking forward to the match, Japan vs. Denmark, but it kicks off at 3:30 a.m. and finishes at 5:30 in the morning…

I know it’s difficult to go out to see the game at that late time on weekday.

There would be only few bars open until that time, and even if there are, you have to think about how to get there, how to get back home. 


You don’t like being forced to leave a bar at 5:30 in the early morning.

But, the game against Denmark is very important, as it decides whether Japan will advance to the final 16. 


Samurai Japan will play with the Japanese spirit, Yamato-Damashii.

In South Africa, I’ve heard a supporters’ voice: “We do want to get together to cheer for Samurai Japan, but it’s going to be a problem to scream with excitement very early in the morning at someone’s place”

OK…

“Let’s do it!!!”

Libero Cafe in Toranomon will open until very late at night for the match, Japan vs. Denmark!!

The cafe has five big screens.

Furthermore, we’ve tied up with “Astil SHIMBAASHI”, making a special deal. Astil SHIMBAASHI is located seven-minute walk from the cafe and offers spa and sauna facilities.

Astil Shimbashi, the clean and comfortable place, will make you relaxed.

This hotel is in Toranomon, one of business areas in Tokyo, so taking advantage of this location, you can take a rest at Astil Shimbashi or Libero Cafe after the late-night game, and go to work in the morning. This is going to be a new soccer viewing style.

I name it “Public Morning”!!!

※Did you get it? It’s a play on words! Public Viewing and Public Morning…hahaha

Print out the image below, and bring it to Libero cafe to get it stamped; then you can get 20 % discount at astil Shimbashi!!

Print out this image and bring it to Libero Cafe.

You can get 20% discount on the total amount of charge.

These are just some examples, but look!!! You can use these plans at relatively low prices!!

Staying Course (18:00〜10:00) ¥4,700 ⇒ ¥3,760

Morning Course (4:00〜9:00) ¥2,000 ⇒ ¥1,600

Speed Course (60 minutes) ¥1,500 ⇒ ¥1,200

Well, now you don’t have to be bothered by thinking about your last train or where to go before and after the match, and can cheer for Samurai Japan at Libero Cafe without any concern!!

Not only Japanese but also non-Japanese who happen to be in Tokyo should take most of this great opportunity to enjoy the night!

※ Astill Shimbashi has a women-only entrance, so ladies can also stay at this secure and comfortable hotel.

※  Needless to say, you are welcome to stay at Libero Cafe and take a rest after the game.

A lot of supporters came to the cafe for the game, Japan vs. Netherland!

For booking and any inquiries, please contact below.

There are still some seats available!!

【Reservation and Inquiries】

〈Libero Cafe〉

Address: Yusei Fukushi Kotohira Bldg., 1st Floor, 1-14-1, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Station: Tokyo Metro, Toranomon sta./ Tameike-sanno sta./ Kasumigaseki sta./ Uchisaiwaicho sta.

Tel: 03-6322-4786

Email: liberocafe2010@gmail.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/liberocafe

Opening hours: 11:00〜23:00 (can be subjected to variation), *opens from 21:00 on 11 June

※ The cafe will open when there is an important game such as Japanese one. Please contact the cafe for further information.

Capacity: about 130 seats

Entrance Fee:

 11:00〜18:00  ¥500

 18:00〜23:00  ¥1,000 ※ in the event of Japanese match, ¥2,000

※The cafe was introduced on Yahoo News!

Follow us on Twitter!!


 http://twitter.com/2010Libero




 We appreciate if you would publicize our blog and Twitter within your circle of your soccer friends or acquaintances.

Japan vs the Netherlands – what a close game!

Hi! Atsushi here! 

As you all already know, Japan lost to the Netherlands by a narrow margin of 0-1.

Japan put up a great fight, and the game was so close!

After the final whistle was blown, all of us Japan supporters in the stadium were so frustrated, we didn’t know what to do.

After that match, I totally didn’t feel like writing my blog. I was so wiped out and drowned my disappointment with some drinks.

On the bright side of things, the final score of the other Group E game was Denmark 2, Cameroon 1, which means that even if Japan only manages to tie Denmark in the final game of the group stage (June 24), they will make it through to the final 16. So, overall, the close result was important to Japan.

With the chance to make it to the final 16, all of us Japan supporters are gonna leave our disappointment of our loss behind, and think positively about our next game against Denmark.

Anyway, sorry for the delay….hope you understand.

Take a look at all or our pictures from the Japan vs. Holland game.

The game was played in Durban, a resort area of South Africa. Durban is only an hour plane ride from our “home” in Johannesburg. In just one hour, we travelled from the freezing cold of Johannesburg to a sunny 25 degrees, which seemed like paradise to us.

It’s bright and sunny like California!

Today I’m going to the stadium with my supporter

 friends Sho-kun (center) and Ji-tsu(right).

Here I am with the Dutch supporters. 

I’m so excited about the game coming up!

The event space outside of the stadium was full or people dressed in orange!

Durban Stadium, probably the most beautiful 

of all 10 stadiums in the World Cup.

Everyone is hyper excited!

…and even more excited inside the stadium!!!

I’ve heard that you can bungee jump from the top of the stadium, 

which also has an observation area.

The Dutch supporters are known throughout the world as the one of the most unique dressed.

This guy could be in the “Orangeman”show;

Here’s a guy growing Dutch tulips from his helmet.

Japan’s supporters are just as uniquely dressed as the Dutch. 

Look at this Japanese guy with “Licca-chan” dolls on his helmet!

We know this frequent flyer as he travelled with us to Indonesia in 2009 for the Asian Cup. We call this trip “The Miracle of Palembang”. At our stop in Singapore during our travels to the 32 countries competing in the World Cup, we even went to a “maid café” together.

Some local beauties also cheered for Japan. 

See “Miss World Cup” for more!

By the way, did you know that there are a lot of Indian immigrants who live in Durban?

We bumped into a Japanese comedian, Hirabata-san of “Dondokodon”, whom usually we see in the J-league post-game show in Japan

This Japan fan outdid our handmade samurai costumes with his unique outfit!

After finishing our “supporter-watching”, we went up to our seats.

It was almost hot enough to wear bathing suits to the stadium. 

Check out “Miss World Cup” to see the hot girls!

We were so excited and up-beat before the game.

I did my hair in a samurai-like ponytail. 

(Remind you of the Turkish national Ilhan?)

Let’s eat up the Oranges!

A picture for our album with Tsun-san, head of the samurai group.

There must have been about 5000 Japanese supporters, definitely more than those at the Japan vs. Cameroon game.

However there must have been about 20,000 Dutch supporters.

Even a lot of the locals at the stadium were dressed in orange.

Here I am with my “Let’s Travel around the world watching football” flag.

Supporters passed up a huge Japan flag (Hinomaru)

 through the back stands before the game 

As usual, I won’t go into detail about the game.
Now I’m going to focus on Japan’s next game against Denmark.



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We appreciate if you would publicize our blog and Twitter within your circle of your soccer friends or acquaintances.