Actors Fumiya Takahashi and Kaito Sakurai performed the kick-in ceremony at the Meiji Yasuda J1 League match between FC Tokyo and FC Machida Zelvia [1].
The appearance marks the completion of a specific listener-driven goal from a radio program project. By participating in the ceremony, Takahashi fulfilled a request from his audience to engage in a professional soccer event [1].
The event took place on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at FC Tokyo Stadium during the designated "MIXI Day" match [1]. The appearance was the result of a project on Takahashi's radio show titled "Fumiya Takahashi Bingo One Year Later," where listeners suggest activities for the actor to complete within a year [1].
Takahashi said the experience was an honor to be on the pitch of such a large stadium. He said that he felt the scale of the venue while stepping onto the grass [1].
Regarding the atmosphere, Takahashi said he found the experience fun. He said that he could tell Sakurai was very nervous standing beside him, which allowed Takahashi to remain calm [1].
Addressing the radio project, Takahashi said it was rewarding to realize a goal that listeners had been encouraging him to pursue. He said that seeing a desired activity come true was a joyful experience [1].
“I think it is a very honorable thing to be able to set foot on the pitch in a stadium like this.”
The collaboration between popular entertainment figures and professional sports leagues in Japan often serves as a strategic tool to attract younger demographics and non-sports fans to the stadium. By linking a high-profile J1 League match to a social media and radio-driven 'bingo' challenge, the event leveraged fan engagement to increase visibility for both the athletes and the actors.
