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Sunday 11 September 2016

Second Half Gold Rush, Fukushima Take Control To Win First Game In 8 Matches

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/091117/live/#recap

Second Half Gold Rush, Fukushima Take Control To Win First Game In 8 Matches

J3 League Round 21
Okinawa Athletic Stadium
September 12th 6pm Kick Off

FC Ryukyu 2 (75' Togashi, 85' Hirata)
Fukushima United FC 3 (11' Maeda, 76' 87' Higuchi)

Ryukyu were quick to push forward early in the game, and Fukushima pushed forward to attack down the sides.

Fukushima were first to get on the score sheet. In the 11th minute a loose ball from a cross was picked up by Noaki Maeda who skillfully looped the ball over the keeper to give Fukushima the opening goal for the first time in their previous 4 games.

There was a goal rush for both teams in the second half. In the 75th minute, from a 45 degree angle on the right Yuta Togashi shot into the center of goal drew the teams level. In response Fukushima substitute Hiroki Higuchi's strike put Fukushima back in the lead.

In the 85th minute, Ryukyu substitute Kenichiro Hirata found the back of the net after a penetrating dribble, but in the 87th minute Higuchi put Fukushima back in front again to put the nail in coffin in the close contest. It is Fukushima United FC's first win since their round 8 game against Tottori. And the loss leaves Ryukyu with 3 home loses in a row.

FC Ryukyu remain in 10th position on 26 points and Fukushima climb up to 11th place with 23 points.

Monday 8 August 2016

Convincing Oita Victory After Away Goal Rush

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/080712/live/#recap

Convincing Oita Victory After Away Goal Rush

J3 League Round 20
Toho Minna No Stadium
August 7th 3pm Kick Off

Fukushima United FC 1 (90+1 Kim)
Oita Trinita 4 (7 Mitsuhira, 45+2 Hattanda, 52 Goto, 63 Mitsuhira)

Oita set the pace from the start of the match and took the lead in the 7th minute. Kohei Hattanda proved a nice through ball to Kazushi Mitsuhira who calmly slotted the ball in the net after a one-on-one with the Fukushima keeper. Oita continued to dominate the half, during additional time, Hattanda and Mitsuhira exchange a neat one-two, and Mitsuhira chipped the ball into the goal to give Oita a 2 goal lead at half time.

Fukuhsima made 2 changes early in the second half, but Oita continued to find the gaps in the Fukuhsima defense. Tomoki Iwata provided a long ball for Yusuke Goto for another one-on-one with the Fukushima keeper, and scored Oita's third goal. In the 63rd minute a mistimed back-pass by Fukushima defender Hiroto Mogi was picked up by Kazushi Mitsuhira to make it 4-0.

Fukuhsima managed to pull back a goal in the final moments thanks to a goal by Hong Yeon Kim. Oita won the game 1-4. 4 goals is Fukushima's biggest loss this season, and also their 3rd loss in a row. They remain in 12th position on 20 points. Oita jump to second place on 36 points.

Highlights via Sky Perfect TV:

Monday 1 August 2016

Tenacious Sagamihara Hold On For 1-0 Win

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/073113/live/#recap

Tenacious Sagamihara Hold On For 1-0 Win

J3 League Round 19
Sagamihara Gion Stadium
July 31 3pm Kick Off

SC Sagamihara 1
Fukushima United FC 0

After the unbelievable pre-match downpour cleared blue skies, Sagamihara won the match 1-0.

Sagamihara started strong with a lot a pace, their attack centered around Yusuke Kondo in his first home start for the club. But as the game progressed Fukushima managed to hold on to the ball for longer periods, and the end to end play continued for much of the first half. But in the 44th minute Masaki Fukai manged to put the home team ahead to give them a 1-0 lead at the break.

In the second half Sagamihara managed to hold on to the ball for long periods, created many chances, but were unable to finish. Daiki Umei came on for Fukushima in the 84th minute, and Bazilian defender Paulao pushed forward to create some pressure up front, but Sagamihara held on for their first home win in about 2 months.

That leaves Fukushima without a win in their previous 6 games. They were unable to dig themselves out of their hole today. They drop to 12th on 20 points, and Sagamihara jump into the top half of the table to be in 7th on 28 points.

Highlights via Sky Perfect TV:

Mexikokeshi

Mexikokokeshi is an art project that brings together traditional Mexican designs with traditional Japanese wooden dolls, kokeshi.

Kokeshi are a traditional doll from the Tohoku area of Japan. Tsuchiyu Onsen situated just to the north of Fukushima City is famous for its Tsuchiyu style kokeshi.

Mexikokokeshi was a project that began in 2011 following the Tohoku arthquake and tsunami. It is part of the Chido Project organised by Asami Shida to introduce Mexican culture to Japan.

The exhibition is being held at Nishida Museum from August 8th to November 30th.



More Info:
http://nishidakinenkan.or.jp/index.html
https://twitter.com/asamijapon

Monday 25 July 2016

Gamba Osaka U/23 Show Strength. Defeat Fukushima For 3rd Consecutive Win

Source: http://www.jleague.jp/match/j3/2016/072415/recap/

Gamba Osaka U/23 Show Strength. Defeat Fukushima For 3rd Consecutive Win

J3 League Round 18
Suita City Football Stadium
July 24 5pm Kick Off

Gamba Osaka U/23 1
Fukushima United FC 0

Coming into a match with 2 consecutive wins for the first time this season, Gamba Osaka U/23s showed attacking and defensive strength to overcome Fukushima 1-0.

Both teams had plenty of time on the ball, but both sides unable to find a way through their opponents defense in a see-sawing game of attack and defense that continued well into the second half.

Naoya Seno came into the game in the 74th minute and pushed Naoki Ogawa across to the right side who delivered a pin point cross to the head of Hiroto Goya to put Gamba in front.

In the dying stages of the game, Fukushima forward Kota Hoshi beat Gamba keeper Mizuki Hayashi to face an open goal. But just as Fukuhsima look to have equalized, Gamba defender So Hirao clear the ball off the goal line to give Gamba their 3rd consecutive win.

The win moves Gamba Osaka U/23s up to 6th on 26 points, and leaves Fukushima in 11th on 20 points after 18 rounds.

Highlights via Sky Perfect TV:


Thursday 21 July 2016

Momentum Toward A Real Recovery: Soma Nomaoi Opens Tomorrow


Momentum Towards A Real Recovery: Soma Nomaoi Opens Tomorrow

Like a heroic scene from feudal Japan, the nationally designated cultural event, Soma Nomaoi starts on the 23rd.   It is the first Nomaoi Festival to be held since the evacuation orders have been lifted in the Odaka district in Soma City following the nuclear disaster at Fukuhsima Daiichi. Members of the local Odaka Horse-Riding Association have anticipated the opening of the festival, "This is a real opportunity for recovery following the lifting of the evacuation order, we hope to create some momentum with the Nomaoi festival."

On the 23rd, the first day of the festival, riders from each of the 5 districts participate in the Yoinori Race at Higarigahara Field in Haramachi District. On the 24th, the Sacred Flag Competition and the Armed-Horse Race are held at Higarigahara Field. On the final day on the 25th, the Nomakake ritual is held at Odaka Shrine in Odaka District.

Mr. Enei (Odaka District) "No Hesitation"

The riders are in full preparation for the Soma Nomaoi. Construction worker Yoshihide Enei (67), from Odaka District where the evacuation orders have been lifted, has been chosen to carry the portable shrine (omikoshi) as a member of Odaka Horse-Riding Association. Mr. Enei was being very positive, "Now that the evacuation order has been lifted, there are no special restrictions.  We don't have to go through the process of preparing somewhere to stay before the event, we can participate without hesitation."

First participating in the festival when he was 29, this is the 30th time that he has taken part in the event. "It's not just me participating, but also my horse. Not just participating, we're going out there to win the event," he said.

Mr.Enei can take care of his horse at home while participating in the event. Even after the nuclear disaster, he always participated and didn't part with his horse. While living in a rental property in Haramachi District, he received special permission in 2014 and 2015 to stay at his home in Odaka District during the event. Now he is living in an apartment in the same district as his home, this year he can participate in the event from home for the first time since the nuclear accident.

Further Information: http://soma-nomaoi.jp/english.htm

Tuesday 19 July 2016

Fukushima Gainax

In 2015 Gainax animation studio opened an animation studio and museum in Miharu, Fukushima to help the local community rebuild. They are current holding an exhibition for the 10th anniversary of Tekkon Kinkreet (http://fukushimagainax.co.jp/?p=2211), but it is closing at the end of the month so you have to get in quick.

The studio has several projects to provide a voice for the local community. Most recently was the "Fukushima Dream Robot" illustration contest. The winning entry was developed as a short animation that shows a rocket delivering many products from around Fukushima in to space.


More info: http://fukushimagainax.co.jp/