Yes, it's the World Cup!! All of you (except those lucky people with golden tickets) are haunted by TV, aren't you? And here in Japan, the co-host country, is surrounded by an unusual air of excitement and enthusiasm.
In order to witness our squad's first ever win, I desperately tried to get a ticket, but in vain... so, for the game of Sunday, June 9, against Russia, I reserved a big hall at a Karaoke bar where gathered ad hoc soccer freaks (in other words, poor guys with no other appointment on sunny Sunday).

And the result! Yes! our squad has made a history, with an ex-cel-lent victory against Russia! I think our team well deserves the win, as they looked truly full of spirit. Their daring, yet thoughtful risk-challenges were really lovely.

By the way, (attention! I'm now talking about business,) we had a good relationship with many organizations under Soviet Union : we built several ships for them and received a lot of repair works from them. And this time, let us say that I am no less happy than when we received those newbuilding orders!

Let me remind, our next game is scheduled on June 14. With a win, draw, or even lose by 1 goal margin, Japan will advance to the second round. We, ad hoc supporters at Kyokuyo, are ready to repeat the June 9 victory in our best form!!

Ah, What?
It's Friday, you said?
And are you saying that kick-off is for 15:30, not 20:30 ?

I'm sorry, I can't understand what you mean. What I can say, is that daring, yet thoughtful risk-challenges are lovely. Do you agree or not?

(S. Yamada, #2 webmaster)

[2002/06/10]