On December 11, the recently opened Prince Takamado Memorial Sports Park on Josai International University’s Togane, Chiba Campus hosted its first international friendly, inviting the men’s team from Korean sister school, Hannam University to play against JIU.

This match was organized as part of JIU’s 20th anniversary festivities, and is the first international friendly to be played on the sports park’s JFA approved soccer grounds since its opening inMay. This facility was designed to serve as grounds for the continuation of the late Prince Takamado’s accomplishments in the realm of the promotion of athletic competition and international exchange, honoring his contribution by affixing his name to the sports stadium itself.
    2012 marks ten years since the Japan-Korea joint-hosted FIFA World Cup in 2002. Prince Takamado’s attendance at the Korean-hosted matches marked the first time a member of the Japanese imperial family had made a public visit to South Korea, an historic occasion that deserves to be commemorated. It is in this commemorative spirit that this friendly was organized, to celebrate Prince Takamado’s memory by serving as a cornerstone for continued international goodwill between Japan and Korea.
    JIU also received vital approval and support from the Japan Football Association in organizing this event.

The friendly kicked off with an acknowledgment of JFA Honorary President Princess Takamado Hisako and JFA Chief Advisor Saburo Kawabuchi who served as co-hosts for the event. The match was officiated by distinguished referee Yuichi Nishimura who served as official for four 2010 World Cup matches, including the semifinals, and has won the J-League top referee award four years running (2009-2012) in addition to being recognized as top official by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2012.

The match started off with Hannam University quickly dictating the pace, scoring the first goal at the 15 minute mark. However, JIU followed with a goal of their own at 34 minutes, making the match a tie at halftime. Then, five minutes into the 2nd half, JIU took the lead with a second goal. JIU sustained a fierce counterattack by Hannam in the closing minutes of the game, but were ultimately able to protect their lead, resulting in a 2-1 final score.

The match was followed by a meet-and-greet and reception with participation from members of the local community. Hannam University President Hyungtae Kim was also in attendance to offer his support in promoting sister-school relations. With the success of this friendly, JIU plans to host similar events to further promote international goodwill through athletics.