Four Itchy Feet

September 23, 2025. Kyoto, Japan.

Today, we experienced the electrifying atmosphere of Japanese professional soccer firsthand, attending the match between Kyoto’s Sanga Football Club and Tokyo’s Machida Zelvia Club.

It was a truly different experience from the start. The stadium was absolutely packed, yet fans quietly and orderly made their way to their seats. Everywhere we looked, families were gathered, ready to cheer on their team.

Throughout the match, the most dedicated fans—known as “ultras”—led non-stop chants and songs. These groups, located at each end of the field, were directed by a conductor with a megaphone, creating a powerful, synchronized wave of sound. The chants were simple and repetitive, making it easy for the whole stadium to join in. Beyond these chants and the steady beat of war drums, the crowd was surprisingly quiet. There was no screaming at the players or officials. The referees’ decisions went unchallenged, and the crowd remained stoic, only erupting in cheers when a scoring chance arose.

The players showed equal respect. On several occasions, we witnessed an opposing player call for help from the sidelines when a player from the other team was injured. After the final whistle, both teams went around the pitch, bowing in a gesture of thanks to each section of the stands.

The game itself was an absolute thriller. Tokyo took an early lead and held it until the very end. But in extra time, Tokyo’s goalie committed a foul, resulting in a penalty shot. The game ended in a dramatic 1-1 tie!

Our biggest worry was the post-game departure: how do you get 60,000-plus fans into a single train station? The answer was with remarkable order and calm. Within just 15 minutes of the final whistle, we were comfortably seated on a train back to Kyoto’s center. We simply couldn’t believe how smooth and peaceful the stadium departure was.

Attending a soccer match in Japan is more than just a game; it’s an immersive cultural experience. We wholeheartedly recommend that anyone visiting Japan make the time to attend a game and feel the unique energy for themselves.