The 103rd National High School Soccer Championship kicked off with much anticipation, but it was not just the athletes who captured attention. Sixteen-year-old model and actress Tsukishima Rui made waves as the newly appointed cheer manager at the opening ceremony held on December 28 at the National Stadium.
Tsukishima, who is already known for her roles in various TV dramas, including the hit series 'Machinami Terasu Yatsura' this past spring, was celebrated for her enchanting presence. Her rising fame is attributed to her modeling for 'Seventeen,' where she joins the ranks of former cheer managers who have become prominent actresses, including Horikita Maki and Aragaki Yui.
Appointed as the 20th cheer manager, Tsukishima stood proudly leading the ceremony, cheerfully wearing her school uniform and engaging warmly with the crowd. After the event, she took to Instagram, expressing her enthusiasm: "Thank you for the opening ceremony and the opening match! This winter's high school soccer season has finally begun, and I will do my utmost to support the players along every step of the way!" Her post garnered significant attention, with comments flooding social media.
Fans expressed their admiration, stating things like, "She's incredibly cute!" and "Even women are falling for her charm!" The excitement around Tsukishima's appearance radiated from both the stadium and online platforms, marking her debut as significant, with some netizens proclaiming, "An angel descended upon the sacred ground!"
The competition saw 48 representative schools parade onto the pitch, showcasing their skills and performances. This year, the cheer manager position has drawn additional interest due to the impressive list of past managers, many of whom have transitioned to successful acting careers, creating anticipation for Tsukishima's future.
Among the reactions on social media were statements like, "Is she the next big actress?" and "I was completely captivated by her!" Commenters took note of her poise and confidence during the event, pointing out her talent, which includes piano and soccer skills, as she demonstrated during her appointment announcement press conference.
Tsukishima's presence at the opening ceremony not only underscored the importance of the event but also injected youthful energy and excitement among attendees. Her ability to resonate with both her peers and older audiences highlights her appeal. Tsukishima has not only fulfilled her role as cheer manager but has also captivated the hearts of many, stirring conversations all over social media.
With the soccer tournament expected to inspire many young athletes, Tsukishima Rui, with her charm and talent, stands as a symbol of hope for aspiring young models and actresses. The buzz surrounding her debut promises to create lasting interest, both for the tournament and her burgeoning career.
With the high expectations surrounding her, it is clear Tsukishima will be one to watch, as fans anticipate her next steps, hoping her participation at this event leads to even greater opportunities.