On December 7 (Sun.), the "General Incorporated Association Urawa Reds Supporters' Association 2025 Season Grand Reception" was held at the Saitama City Cultural Center under the auspices of the Urawa Reds Supporters' Association to thank all the fans and supporters who have supported Urawa Reds. The event is a valuable opportunity for players and fans/supporters to get together, look back on the year's struggles, and renew their commitment to the upcoming season. The Grand Farewell Party is held every year in the off-season as a valuable opportunity for players and fans/supporters to get together, look back on the year's battles, thank each other for their hard work, and renew their commitment to the coming new season.



Representing the players who joined in 2025, five players participated from the top team: Kenta Nemoto and Toshikazu Teruuchi, who also performed well in the final match of the previous day, as well as Sakakibara Kotono, Matsuo Mizuki, and Sakurai Madoka from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies, who are competing in the 2025/26 season. The event, hosted by Urawa Reds Supporters' Association, was attended by around 300 supporters and members of the public, and the venue was filled with the excitement of those who have supported the club throughout the season.



The event started in a friendly atmosphere, with MCs Natsumi Asai and Yoshiaki Iwasawa, familiar faces to fans and supporters of Urawa Reds who broadcast in-stadium broadcasts at home games. At the beginning, representatives from the supporters' association and the club gave an overview of the season and their outlook for the future.



First, Vice Chairman Tomotaka Fukuda of Urawa Reds Supporters' Association took the stage on behalf of the organizers. He introduced the wide range of activities of the supporters' association, from stadium stewardship, supporter bus tours, family events at Reds Land, and even the business training program and international friendly Trial that began this year. He stated his determination to "continue to carry out activities that make people feel glad that Urawa Reds are in this city."
Next, club representative Makoto Taguchi gave a speech. He looked back on the top team's season results, including their battles in the J.League and cup competitions, and expressed his responsibility for not meeting the expectations of fans and supporters, while also expressing his determination for next season. He also called for further support for the women's team, who are currently in the running for the championship midway through the season, saying, "They play an aggressive style of football that is fun to watch. I hope you will come to the stadium and support them."

During the talk show, which gave a glimpse into the players' true selves, they showed a relaxed expression that was different from their appearance on the pitch, and under the guidance of the MC, they shared various stories from the season.

When asked how they felt when they first stepped onto the pitch as a Reds player this year, Teruuchi said, "I was moved when I stepped onto the pitch I'd always dreamed of, having watched from the stands since I was little," while Sakurai expressed his gratitude to the supporters, saying, "It was my debut away game, but I'll never forget the warm cheers that made it feel like home." Matsuo said he was "proud" of his performance in the home opening game, and Sakakibara commented, "The supporters who I'd seen as enemies became my allies, and I was able to play with strength." Nemoto also said, "I once again felt grateful to be able to play in the special atmosphere that only Urawa Reds can have," and each player spoke of how the support of the fans and supporters is transformed into strength.



The conversation also turned to the supporters' club steward (sports volunteer) activities that Nemoto and Teruuchi took part in at the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Friday, April 25th. Nemoto said, "I was reminded of the presence of the people who work behind Trial scenes, in the unseen places," to which Teruuchi shared an anecdote, saying, "I told people who didn't know where their seats were and guided people in wheelchairs. Some people were happy to help, and some didn't even realize it was me (laughs)."



Reference Urawa Reds Supporters Association Steward Note
"Young players experience being stewards - the 'power of support' they learn off the pitch"

During the Q&A session, the players also shared their personal stories. The audience was excited as they discussed topics such as their pre-Trial routines, their idols, and how they spend their days off. Finally, when asked what they have grown the most this year, Nemoto replied, "How to maintain my mental state when I'm not involved in Trial," Teruuchi replied, "My shots are good enough for top players," Sakakibara replied, "My dribbling ability is good," Matsuo replied, "My ability to speak in front of people," and Sakurai replied, "My desire to do my best for my teammates and supporters." It was clear that each of them had overcome obstacles and felt a real sense of growth.



The talk show was conducted in a friendly atmosphere from start to finish, and the audience was filled with laughter and warm applause as they got to know the players' down-to-earth personalities.



The fun time flew by, and the event came to a close with a raffle. Everyone was excited to win some fantastic prizes, including an official ball signed by all the players, a signed T-shirt, and more.







To conclude the event, each player expressed their gratitude to the fans and supporters and made a pledge for the next season.
Teruuchi looked ahead, saying, "It was a disappointing season for both the team and me personally, but next year I will work hard to become a player who can contribute to winning the championship." Nemoto concluded with a powerful statement, "All of the men's top team's Trial for this season have ended, but Reds Ladies 'Trial will continue until the end of the year, so please continue to cheer us on. (The men's top team) will definitely achieve results next year. Please fight with us," drawing the loudest applause of the day from the audience.





With renewed expectations and determination for the next season, the venue was united in a warm atmosphere, and the final party to conclude the 2025 season came to a great success, with hopes for the future in everyone's hearts.

[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]

Reference Urawa Reds Supporters Association Official Website