Roger Hampel
VfB Stuttgart gears up to embark on a journey to Japan as part of the Bundesliga Japan Tour 2024. From July 26th to August 1st, the team, led by Head Coach Sebastian Hoeneß, will engage in two thrilling test matches and a diverse range of activities across Kyoto and Hiroshima.
This marks VfB Stuttgart's return to Japan for the first time since 1996, demonstrating the club's commitment to global engagement and fostering connections with fans worldwide. The Bundesliga Japan Tour, co-hosted by the SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (SPTV), promises an immersive experience for both players and supporters alike.
The tour itinerary includes two highly anticipated test matches against Kyoto Sanga F.C. on July 28th and Sanfrecce Hiroshima on August 1st. These matches will not only showcase the skill and prowess of VfB Stuttgart but also serve as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.
In addition to the matches, VfB Stuttgart will conduct training sessions at various locations throughout the tour, some of which will be open to the public, allowing Japanese fans to get up close and personal with their favorite players. Furthermore, the club will participate in a comprehensive program of fan engagement, media activities, cultural initiatives, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.
Accompanying the VfB professionals on this journey will be esteemed former players, including honorary captain Guido Buchwald, who brings a wealth of experience from his six-year tenure in Japan as a player, coach, and sports director.
Japan holds a special place in the heart of VfB Stuttgart, being one of the club's five international target markets. Through longstanding partnerships with companies like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Kärcher, VfB has cultivated a strong network in Japan, extending its influence beyond the realm of football.
Rouven Kasper, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at VfB Stuttgart, expressed his enthusiasm for the tour, stating, "We are delighted to be the official ambassador of the Bundesliga in Japan this year and to present German football on-site together with our partners and the partners of the DFL. The VfB has maintained good contacts in Japanese football for many years through activities such as our football school, mutual visits of youth teams, media presence, and coaching courses. Now, this summer, we are taking the next logical step by conducting part of our preseason preparations in Japan."
Peer Naubert, Chief Marketing Officer of Bundesliga International, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing popularity of VfB Stuttgart in Japan and the importance of the Bundesliga Japan Tour in fostering global fan engagement. He stated, "Since the inception of the Bundesliga Japan Tour in 2022, the enthusiasm for Bundesliga clubs has been incredible, with sold-out stadiums in Tokyo, Osaka, and Saitama. This year, the tour will encompass two new cities, bringing Bundesliga closer to fans across Japan. This is crucial for us as a league, and I am delighted to collaborate with our reliable partner SPTV to launch this exciting series for the third time in just two seasons."
As VfB Stuttgart sets its sights on Japan, football fans around the world eagerly anticipate the camaraderie, competition, and cultural exchange that the Bundesliga Japan Tour 2024 will undoubtedly deliver.
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