On the 14th, on behalf of the team that had just finished competing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Takahiro Sekine visited the Saitama Prefectural Government Office along with representative Makoto Taguchi, vice representative Shimizu Minoru, and Home Town Headquarters Headquarters Director Yakushiji Tomoyuki.

First, he visited the Saitama Prefectural Office and greeted Vice-Governor Takashi Ito. Taguchi reported on the results of the FIFA Club World Cup and talked about his experiences in America. Although it was a short time, the conversation was held in a friendly atmosphere, and Vice-Governor Ito offered words of appreciation.



Next, they visited the Governor's Office and paid a courtesy visit to Saitama Governor Ohno Motohiro. First, Taguchi said, "Unfortunately, we were unable to win Trial, but the players were able to experience the seriousness and greatness of overseas teams, something that they cannot experience in preseason matches. I hope that they will make use of this experience in Trial that will resume this weekend." Next, Governor Ohno said, "Although the results were tough, we have shown that Urawa Reds exists in Japan. It is something that the people of Saitama Prefecture are proud of. I hope that we will make use of this experience in the future and work together as one to win the league championship for the first time in 19 years."



When asked about the way they fought on the pitch, Sekine said, "It's disappointing that we couldn't even draw a single Trial, but the pressure from the opponents was stronger than I expected, and their individual abilities were also superior, so I felt the difference from the J.League. Also, although we have many players with international experience, this was the first time that the current team members played in an international tournament, so we felt their lack of experience." When asked how he would like to use the experience from this tournament in the future, he said, "The color of soccer is different from the J.League and international tournaments, but I think the experience from this tournament will be useful when we next participate in the ACL (AFC Champions League). The players were able to gain experience in this tournament that can be carried over to that, so first we want to qualify for the ACL and then carry that over to the Club World Cup in four years." He also expressed his enthusiasm for the next tournament.



After some pleasant conversation, the team presented Governor Ohno with a FIFA Club World Cup uniform, a commemorative panel featuring the emblems of the participating teams, and the tournament ball. Governor Ohno then presented him with a Kobaton daruma doll, the mascot of Saitama Prefecture. Finally, a commemorative photograph was taken with everyone, and the courtesy visit to the Saitama Prefectural Government Office came to a close.



Afterwards, they visited the prefectural assembly, where they met with Chairman Shirato Yukihito and Vice Chairman Iizuka Toshihiko. Chairman Shirato encouraged them, saying, "In the match against Inter Milan, the outcome was decided by a very small margin, but in the world of competition, the question is how we can make use of this experience in the future. The fact that we were able to bring Trial to an outcome like the Inter match on the world stage is a source of pride for our supporters and the people of Saitama Prefecture. I would like to thank our Urawa Reds for fighting. I hope you will hold your head high and take on the second half of the season." Vice Chairman Iizuka said, "It was a disappointing result, but I will continue to be a Reds fan, so I hope you will continue to do your best."
Taguchi commented, "After the Club World Cup, I felt the strength of overseas teams, so I want to keep that feeling and achieve good results in the next round." The conversation continued in a friendly atmosphere. Finally, Sekine presented a commemorative gift, and the courtesy visit ended with a group photo.







[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]