On the 9th, the "2024 Season Urawa Red Diamonds Appreciation Party" was held at a hotel in Saitama City, inviting partner companies and hometown related organizations that support Urawa Reds. The event was held as a place for the top team manager, coaching staff, players, and club staff to convey their daily gratitude to the 393 people who attended and deepen their friendship.



The event began with an introduction by TBS announcer Toshiyuki Doi, and players, coaching staff, and interpreters took to the stage one by one. Finally, manager Maciej Skorza stepped to the center. MC Doi explained that the design concept of the stage this time was based on the image of "a vast earth dyed red in the Reds' colors," and that the design featured America, the host country of the FIFA Club World Cup, in which Urawa Reds will participate in the 2025 season, and the event began.



At the beginning of the speech, Representative Makoto Taguchi expressed his gratitude, saying, "We were able to fight through the 2024 season and hold this appreciation party thanks to the support of our partner companies, our hometown, and everyone who loves the Reds." He also said, "This season, we have played 40 official matches. We have made further reinforcements in response to the results of the 2023 season, but we are unable to meet everyone's expectations and are disappointed that we finished 13th in the J.League." He also reflected on the 2024 season, saying, "We caused everyone a lot of concern due to the replacement of training personnel and key players in the middle of the season." However, despite the team's poor performance, the average attendance at home games at Saitama Stadium exceeded 37,000 people, making it the top attendance in the J1 League, and merchandise revenue, which reached a record high last year, was also strong this year, and he once again expressed his gratitude for the great support of our partner companies. He then spoke about the Club World Cup in which the team will take part next year, saying, "We will do our best on this big stage, carrying the pride of Japanese football and Urawa. I would like to ask for your continued support."



Next, coach Maciej Skorza said, "This season has been a difficult one for the team, but I would like to thank you all for your support even through these difficult times." He continued, "Looking at the league table, we are far from where we would have liked to be, and it has been a very difficult season, but I am sure that our experience this season will make the team stronger, so we would like to achieve our goals as one team. I hope that you all have an even better year ahead."



Afterwards, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. President and CEO Seiji Izumisawa gave a speech on behalf of the group. After giving words of appreciation to the team for fighting through this season, he expressed his expectations for the team, saying, "I don't think this season was a satisfying one. I want the Reds to make a big leap forward next year." With a view to participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, he gave a powerful speech saying, "I want the Reds to play dynamic, aggressive football, and together with the world's best supporters, I want to paint Saitama Stadium, our home stadium, redder than this year and cheer on Urawa Reds together with you all. I look forward to seeing you do well next year."



Then, Hayato Shimizu, chairman of the Urawa Reds Supporters Association and mayor of Saitama, said, "First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their support. This season has been tough, but there are bright signs with the return of manager Skorja and player Genki Haraguchi. The support of over 50,000 people at the final game is a ray of hope, and I am confident that next season will be a bright one. I would like to win the championship next year and hold a parade in the streets of Urawa to share the joy with everyone." Then, everyone toasted. After that, the participants moved into conversation, and the manager, coaches, and players also split into individual tables to talk with the participants.







In the middle of the conversation, a "Player Autographed Raffle" was held, in which Shusaku Nishikawa, Rikito Inoue, Marius Hoibraten Samuel Gustafson, Ryoma Watanabe, Kaito Yasui Kaito, Sekine Takahiro Sekine, Naoki Maeda Genki, Maeda Naoki and Shinzo Koroki took to the stage. After the players were given mini interviews on stage, they presented each prize to the winners.








Afterwards, Taguchi presented bouquets to Shinzo Koroki and Tomoya UGAJIN who retired this season, and after taking a commemorative photo, each gave a speech. Ugajin said, "I was able to live a very happy life as a professional soccer player thanks to all the partner companies and fans and supporters who have always supported me. The only thing I have not been able to achieve is to lead Urawa Reds to victory in the J1 League, and I believe that the manager and players will make that happen next season, and I hope to provide the best support." Next, Koroki, saying, "Thank you for your support over the past 11 years. This season has been a tough one, but I believe that next season will definitely be a season where we will compete for the championship, so I would like to ask for your continued enthusiastic support."

Finally, Shusaku Nishikawa who served as the team captain this season, said, "We are able to compete thanks to our partner companies, the people in our hometown, and the supporters' association. The team's results this season did not meet your expectations, but I believe this experience will definitely be useful next season and beyond. We will fight with all our might next season, together with everyone associated with Urawa Reds. I would appreciate your support." He expressed his gratitude and spoke of his determination for next season, and the meeting ended with a thunderous applause.



[Urawa Reds Official Media (URD:OM)]