Japan's National High School Football Tournament

Japan's national high school football tournament has launched its latest edition, continuing its over 100-year tradition of attracting large crowds and millions of television viewers. The tournament, regarded as the pinnacle of amateur football, sees young players aspiring to showcase their talent in front of tens of thousands at the National Stadium in Tokyo. Matches are vibrant events with student cheering squads creating an electrifying atmosphere. Despite the growing trend of young talent joining professional clubs' youth teams, the tournament remains a vital platform for aspiring footballers, with notable alumni including current national stars Daizen Maeda and Daichi Kamada. Ryutsukeizai Kashiwa midfielder Kanaru Matsumoto expresses that the tournament has been his lifelong dream stage. Originally established in 1917, the tournament continues to foster future stars amidst evolving dynamics in Japanese football.