International Students from Kansai Gaidai University Collaborate with Cerezo Osaka for Spectator Experience Survey

Nineteen international students from Kansai Gaidai University participated in a spectator survey during the Cerezo Osaka home match against V-Varen Nagasaki at Yodoko Sakura Stadium (formerly Yanmar Stadium Nagai) in Osaka on May 9. The students, coming from countries including the U.S., South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Kenya, attended the match and answered a 41-question survey regarding their experience.

As the number of inbound tourists visiting stadiums increases, understanding their satisfaction levels and insights remains critical. The survey aimed to evaluate stadium food, production, viewing environment, and merchandise sales to identify specific areas for improvement.

The overall satisfaction rating was 4.74 out of 5.0, with all participants indicating they would recommend the experience to family and friends. Comments included, "It was extremely fun, everything was wonderful," and "I was overwhelmed by the supporters' passion and want to come again."

In terms of specific stadium experience metrics (out of 5.0), the passion of the supporters was rated 4.95, stadium production 4.84, and staff response 4.67. Regarding stadium food, students highlighted items such as spicy chicken and meat-wrapped rice balls.

Memorable aspects mentioned by all included "supporter cheering." Other notable moments included interacting with players after goals and observing local fan chants. Shinji Kagawa was named the most impressive player by six students.

Conversely, challenges were identified, such as the inability to use mobile payment services like PayPay with foreign smartphones, unclear rules regarding outside food and drink, Japanese-only signage at entrances causing confusion, and limited beverage options for those who do not drink alcohol for religious reasons.

Furthermore, the survey found that 90% of students did not check the official website or social media before arriving, highlighting a need for improved multilingual digital touchpoints and pre-visit awareness.

A Cerezo Osaka planning representative expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating that the results will be used as valuable input for further business development to improve the satisfaction of increasing foreign spectators.

While the J.League might be perceived as isolated from global markets, it maintains active partnerships with overseas clubs, creating frequent opportunities for English utilization. The representative noted that they are currently holding bi-weekly meetings in English in preparation for a friendly match with an overseas club in July, hoping that this initiative inspires Kansai Gaidai students to further explore sports business and regional culture.