On February 8, 2025, the much-anticipated FUJIFILM Super Cup will kick off at the National Stadium, featuring a thrilling encounter between J1 champions Vissel Kobe and Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The announcement of the match took place on January 30, 2025, with Tomoaki Makino, the tournament ambassador, sharing insights about the upcoming battle.
Makino, who has played for both teams, expressed his excitement about this significant fixture. "This match is one to watch not just for the fans of both clubs, but for the entire league as well. It will be intriguing to see how both teams have evolved since last season," he stated, emphasizing the need for players to start the season strong.
The spotlight will be on key players such as Yuki Muto, who won last season's MVP award and is showing great motivation and form heading to the match. Makino noted, "I observed his training during the camp, and he's reported to be almost 100 percent fit. His work ethic and attacking capabilities will certainly be on display and could be pivotal to how Kobe performs."
Sanfrecce Hiroshima will also have their standout player, the newly signed Jermain Kyo. Makino highlighted, "He's known for his precise goal-scoring and has been integrating well with his new teammates. I believe he is poised to have a breakout season and is here to surpass last year's tally of 19 goals."
Adding to the excitement is the 'NEXT GENERATION MATCH' preceding the main event, where Yoichiro Kakitani, recently retired, will debut as the coach of the U-18 J-League selection. This adds another layer of intrigue to the event. Makino remarked, "Kakitani's transition to coaching is something I personally look forward to. It will be interesting to see how he conducts himself on the sidelines and motivates the younger players."
Both teams have been preparing extensively during their training camps, with Makino observing their sessions. He noted, "Hiroshima has brought new players who have already begun to gel with the rest of the squad. Meanwhile, Kobe seems to be maintaining their lineup with focus on improvement and evolution from the last season's performance. The readiness of both teams looks promising."
Looking forward to the match, Makino expects exciting, attacking football from both sides. He stated, "The play style from both teams should favor scoring; it will be about how each can leverage their strengths. I anticipate plenty of goals and high energy throughout the match."
This year's FUJIFILM Super Cup is not just about crowning the winner; it also serves as an early indicator of how the teams will perform going forward this season. Makino urged fans, saying, "There are numerous players who could potentially make their mark and break through to the national team through this match. It’s the perfect stage to showcase their talents."
The excitement around the match is not just limited to those who are already following football. Makino explained how the event could also attract new fans, as it features top-tier footballing talent from Japan. He encouraged those unfamiliar with football to tune in and witness what Japanese football has to offer.
Fans can catch the action live as the match will be broadcast nationwide across the Nippon Television Network. It will also be available for streaming on TVer for those who wish to watch it online. The anticipation is building, and all eyes will be on the National Stadium come February 8.