【Jリーグ】キャンプを涼しい北海道で 9市町に12クラブが集結…背景に今シーズンから開幕時期変更 2月から8月へ…日本代表選手を間近で見られるかも 大きな経済効果にも期待

You might be able to see the Japanese national soccer team play up close. This summer, J.League training camps will be held in various locations throughout Hokkaido. Not only is it exciting, but significant economic benefits are also expected. Approximately 60 players from the J.League's Kashiwa Reysol team landed at Memanbetsu Airport in Oozora Town, Hokkaido. They paid a courtesy visit to the mayor of Abashiri, the location of their training camp. "We want to use this as an opportunity for all 40 of us to become one, as we can train in such a wonderful environment," said Yoshiro Toshima, a player for Kashiwa Reysol. The J.League is shifting its opening date from February to August this season. Until last season, pre-season training camps were held in winter, in warmer regions such as Okinawa and Kyushu. However, this season, with the camps being held in summer, there is an increasing trend to hold them in relatively cooler Hokkaido. In July, 12 clubs will hold training camps in 9 cities and towns within Hokkaido. The highest temperature in Abashiri on this day was 27℃. The temperature was about 7°C higher than average, but how did the players feel? "Being able to practice in a cooler environment makes it easier to improve our condition. We want to convey the joy of soccer to the children," said Taiyo Koga, a player for Kashiwa Reysol. Kashiwa Reysol will hold their training camp at the Abashiri Sports Training Field in Abashiri City until July 18th. Practices are generally closed to the public, but open practices are scheduled for three days from the 10th to the 12th. A large crowd is expected. Nagoya Grampus has also begun their training camp in Tomakomai City. Mihailo Petrović, the former manager of Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and current manager of Nagoya Grampus, responded to the cheers. "Thank you," said Mihailo Petrović. "Everyone is happy that Nagoya Grampus has come! We want to experience your charm and greatness," said Tomakomai City Mayor Shun Kanazawa. Economic benefits are also expected.　In 2024, 19 J.League clubs held training camps in Okinawa Prefecture, and the prefecture estimates that this generated an economic effect of 2.1 billion yen. 　According to a representative from Tomakomai City: 　"We want visitors to enjoy the economic benefits of overnight stays and the unique cuisine of Tomakomai," (Mitsuru Ito, Head of the Sports City Promotion Division, Tomakomai City) 　On July 14th, FC Tokyo will hold a training camp in Shiraoi Town. 　This is the club to which Yuto Nagatomo, who participated in the World Cup, belongs. 　You may be able to see this star player up close. 　Expectations are high for the J.League training camps.