JFA and Kirin Host 'Kirin Family Challenge Cup 2026 in Chiba' Featuring Former National Team Players

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited and the Japan Football Association (JFA) jointly hosted the "Kirin Family Challenge Cup," a walking football event designed for "adults and children to enjoy together regardless of age, gender, soccer experience, or presence of disabilities," on Sunday, May 17, at the Prince Takamado Memorial JFA YUME Field in Chiba Prefecture.

The "Kirin Family Challenge Cup" was launched in December 2022 with the desire to "deliver a soccer experience that deepens bonds with family and close friends and enriches daily life to the soccer family across Japan." To date, over 2,300 people ranging from 0 to over 80 years old have participated. People of a wide range of ages have formed teams with family and friends to enjoy playing around a single ball, bringing many smiles to the venues. Under the concept of "The day a family becomes a team," the event provides a place where participants can deepen their connections and bonds with family and friends through an experience where everyone from adults to children can participate together.

For this 8th edition, former SAMURAI BLUE player Shunsuke Nakamura participated for the first time, joined by guest participants Ryota Moriwaki (former SAMURAI BLUE), Aya Miyama (former Nadeshiko Japan), and Mizuho Sakaguchi (former Nadeshiko Japan). In addition, a surprise encouraging video message from SAMURAI BLUE manager Hajime Moriyasu was shown to the participants. On the day of the event, guests and participants played walking football together. Participants shared comments such as, "I was happy that my whole family could participate!" and "It was refreshing because we rarely have the chance to play sports together as a family. I feel our bonds have deepened!" Nakamura, participating for the first time, commented, "I think I was able to play while appreciating the connection with everyone. I felt that Kirin's involvement in not only supporting many national team matches but also such activities expands the value of soccer and sports even further. I want to participate again." At the end of the event, the guests presented the Goal Performance Award to participating teams, concluding an event filled with smiles throughout the day.

Event Highlights

JFA x Kirin Co-hosted "Kirin Family Challenge Cup" Kicks Off

The appearance of the four guests drew loud cheers from the venue. Furthermore, a surprise message from SAMURAI BLUE manager Hajime Moriyasu was screened.

A total of 284 people, aged 0 to 89, participated in the event. The opening ceremony began with greetings from Yuichi Yamada of Kirin Holdings, who said, "Let's make this a fun day through walking football that anyone can enjoy regardless of age or gender!" The venue erupted in excitement when guests Shunsuke Nakamura, Ryota Moriwaki, Aya Miyama, and Mizuho Sakaguchi appeared. Nakamura commented, "I've been looking forward to today. It's hot, so let's enjoy walking football together while being very careful about heatstroke!" Moriwaki expressed his joy at being able to play with the participants and called out, "Everyone, when I say 'Kirin Walking Football!', please shout 'Positive!'" The lighthearted interaction unique to Moriwaki brought loud cheers and smiles to the venue. A surprise video message from SAMURAI BLUE manager Hajime Moriyasu was also shown, conveying his passionate thoughts: "Thank you very much for the many words of encouragement I always receive. I wanted to participate today too, but I know that truly wonderful and powerful guests are participating, so I believe they will liven up the site immensely! Please enjoy the connections and interactions with the guests, your family, and friends, and make it a day full of smiles!"

Full Message from SAMURAI BLUE Manager Hajime Moriyasu

Hello to everyone attending the Kirin Family Challenge Cup! I am Moriyasu, manager of the Japan national soccer team.

Thank you very much for the numerous encouraging voices we always receive from the soccer family.

The Japan national soccer team does not belong only to the selected members or the 11 players on the pitch.

I believe that everyone who cares even a little bit in their hearts is the Japan national team.

I wanted to participate today as well, but with Nakamura, Moriwaki, Miyama, and Sakaguchi, truly wonderful and powerful guests are participating, so I think they will liven up the site thoroughly.