Kashima City

The Great Shrine, Water and Soccer

Kashima City is 110 kilometers east of Tokyo. Japan Professional Football League(J.League) kicked off in 1993. Kashima Antlers F.C. also started the history as a professional team of J.League. Since then, Japanese National Soccer Team(Samurai Blue) has developed their ability. In 2002, The FIFA World Cup was held in Japan and South Korea when Kashima Stadium was one of fields for the matches.
 I went to the stadium to watch the match between Kashima Antlers and FC Tokyo on March 1, 2025.

Torii gate on the lake
Kashima City is surrounded by the water such as the sea, lakes and rivers. That is the first Torii of Kashima Jingu Shrine. In the past, many worshippers visited the shrine by boat.
The Shrine keeps Deer.
They are considered to be divine messengers. The football team, Kashima Antlers are named after male deer kept in the shrine.  
We are praying at the worship hall before the match kick off.
According to legend, Kashima Jingu Shrine is believed to have been founded in 660 BC. It is a prestigious one. Before opening J1 League on February 14, the president, coach and players of Kashima Antlers prayed to the deities for winning the Championship in January.
A view of the Pacific Ocean
The photo was taken from the uppermost floor of the stadium. 
Kashima Soccer Stadium
The stadium opened in 1993. It accommodates 40,000 people. In 2002 FIFA World Cup, the stadium hosted three matches: Argentine vs. Nigeria, Germany vs. Ireland and Italy vs. Croatia.
Antlers’ Flag
It is designed after male deer, divine messengers in Kashima Jingu Shrine. 
Zico from Brazil
He played for Kashima Antlers and the original team, Sumitomo Metals from 1991 to 1994 and coached Japan National Footbal Team from 2002 to 2006.
Supporters of Antlers
Antlers got the first goal!
Good Stadium, Good Food and Enthusiastic Supporters
Football fans in Japan look forward to the FIFA World Cup tournaments.