Celebrate the beautiful game
The Daily Yomiuri, Asia News Network, Tokyo
The much-anticipated monthlong soccer World Cup finals will finally kick off in Seoul on Friday with the opening match between France and Senegal.
Eleven years have passed since Japan launched the committee to invite the World Cup finals here. It was certainly a long path.
We sincerely hope that the 2002 World Cup will be a festival that will be remembered fondly by people around the world. Players in the stadiums will, of course, be the ones who will play the main roles in the festival.
Soccer is called the "world's common language." Because of its simplicity -- there are only 17 rules -- soccer has become an international sport that can be enjoyed by anyone.
On the other hand, it is also said that soccer is "politics and culture." This is because the sport has a lot to do with politics, as evidenced by the phenomenon in many African countries, where soccer is often used as the symbol for uniting multiple races. The culture of individual countries is also reflected in the style of play, such as the long-ball game in northern European countries and the fancy footwork of players from Latin American nations.
We truly are looking forward to enjoying top-level performances in which international and local characteristics are harmonized.
"Glocal" is a neologism formed from the words "global" and "local." The word conveys the ethos of the World Cup, in which those who have left to play for teams in other countries represent the team of their native country.
Expectations are high that the Japanese national team will advance to the second stage of the tournament.
The average age of the Japanese team members is 25, even though veteran players such as Masashi Nakayama and Yutaka Akita were selected.
Some Japanese players moved to professional teams overseas, though they were raised in the Japanese training system. The fact that such players are active overseas will help soccer culture to take root in this country.
The tournament will be tough, but we sincerely hope Japan puts up a good fight.
In managing the event, Japan and South Korea are required to make their own efforts to lead the event to success, while inviting international support.
The two countries, whose relationship has long been soured by lingering problems over the past, are expected to work hand in hand toward the common goal of making the event a success. We urge both sides to cooperate closely and be fully prepared for any eventuality.
We sincerely hope that the cohosting of the event by Japan and South Korea will serve as the first step to build a new relationship between the two countries.