On the 30th, with the 2026/27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League and 2026/27 WE League just around the corner, CEO Minoru Shimizu, Hometown General Manager Tomoyuki Yakushiji, Sports Director Satoshi Horinouchi, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies Sports Director Teruo Kudo, and players Yuta Miyamoto and Hana Takahashi, representing the players, paid a courtesy visit to Saitama City Hall.

During the courtesy visit, Miyamoto and Takahashi first presented Mayor Hayato Shimizu with signed uniforms. Afterwards, a commemorative photo was taken with Mayor Hayato Shimizu and Deputy Mayor Atsushi Sano.



Next, Shimizu gave a speech, saying, "Thank you for your continued support. I will do my best to provide the people of Saitama City with plenty of positive news."



Horinouchi also spoke about his impressions of the preseason, saying, "We have been newly appointed as manager Cho Kwi-jae this season. Following the winter training camp, we also held a training camp in Kin Town, Okinawa Prefecture for about three weeks this summer. I feel that we were able to improve on each of the issues that arose during that time and build upon them. This weekend we have a preseason match against RB Omiya Ardija, and after that we hope to build upon that even further in preparation for the opening match against Gamba Osaka, which will be played away from home." Miyamoto spoke about his determination for the season, saying, "I'm 27 this year, and as a defensive leader, I'm at an age where I have to have a positive influence on those around me both in terms of my play and my lifestyle, and I am aware that I have that role. Towards the start of the season, we are currently in the stage of building things up step by step, through trial and error. Manager Cho is a manager who has taken care of me since my university days, so I think the expectations and pressure on me will be high, but I don't want to feel that pressure more than necessary. I want to play in my own style and freely, and lead the team in a good direction."



Afterward, a period of informal conversation was set aside, during which Mayor Shimizu and Deputy Mayor Sano amicably exchanged opinions on the team's current situation and preparations for the opening of the season.
During the conversation, Mayor Hayato Shimizu asked, "What is the overall atmosphere of the team like under Coach Cho?" Miyamoto replied, "He approaches each player individually from various angles, so even though I've been with Urawa for a while, he approaches the players in a way that we've never seen before, and he's also paying attention to and working on areas that we've somewhat neglected until now."
I think those aspects will be a major turning point for the team. I myself am really enjoying working on it," he said, describing the team's situation so far, based on his impression of Coach Cho.



When asked about his goals for this season, Horinouchi replied with a determined expression, "I often talk with the manager, and of course we have no intention of turning away from the goal of winning the championship. However, what the team is focusing on most right now is the accumulation of daily efforts. How much attention we can pay to our daily training and daily routines. We believe that the accumulation of these efforts will lead to winning the championship, so we are all consciously working to pour everything into our daily routines, day by day."



At the end of the conversation, Mayor Shimizu offered words of encouragement for the upcoming league season, saying, "I hope you will show us exciting Trial this season as well. And if possible, I hope both teams can achieve a double championship. Please do your best."





After the conversation, they visited the Saitama City Council. Vice Speaker Fumiko Soeno and Council Member Kenji Aoba offered words of encouragement, saying, "We have high expectations for the team this season under the new coach. We are rooting for you." Finally, a commemorative photo was taken, concluding the courtesy visit.



Although this courtesy visit was brief, it was conducted in a friendly atmosphere from beginning to end. Receiving warm encouragement from everyone, and reaffirming our gratitude to the people of Saitama City who support the club, it was a valuable opportunity to unite our hearts for the new season.

[Urawa Reds Official Media]