On March 28, 2025, the excitement surrounding the Hiroshima Toyo Carp reached new heights as the team kicked off its season with a local opening game against the Hanshin Tigers at Mazda Stadium. This year’s opening day was particularly special, coinciding with the grand opening of the new Minamoa building at Hiroshima Station, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans and players alike.
As fans made their way to the stadium, many took advantage of the newly constructed pedestrian deck connecting the station to Mazda Stadium, which is just a 300-meter walk away. This deck, which opened on March 24, allows fans to traverse the distance without stepping onto the road, enhancing safety and convenience. The path features a 30-meter pedestrian bridge and is designed to accommodate the large crowds expected during game days, with approximately 12,000 fans passing through the Carp Road for each match.
The day was further electrified by the announcement of a new support song for the Carp, titled "OK," performed by the newly formed musical duo OOOCCHIE KOOCHIE, comprising renowned singers Kohei Yoshikawa and Tamio Okuda. The duo unveiled the song during a pre-game ceremony at the stadium, where they expressed their hopes that fans would not only listen to the song but also sing along to cheer on the team. "We hope that while cheering for the players, everyone will listen to the song and memorize it," Yoshikawa stated, capturing the essence of their mission to uplift the spirits of both players and fans alike.
The new song is designed to resonate with the local culture, reflecting the deep-rooted support for the Carp within Hiroshima. The upbeat rock style of the song, punctuated by the catchy refrain "OK!" is expected to become a rallying cry for fans throughout the season. The song is set to be officially released on March 29, 2025, just in time for the team’s home games.
In addition to the musical festivities, the opening day was marked by the annual "starting lineup announcement" at the popular yakitori restaurant, Carp-dori, located near the stadium. This beloved eatery, which has been serving fans for 45 years, features a unique menu where items are named after the team's players and managers, reflecting their characteristics and contributions. This year, following a heated discussion among the restaurant's managers, the new menu items were unveiled. Draft pick number one, Sasaki, was humorously named "Winner," while draft pick number two, Sato, was dubbed "Tofu," symbolizing hopes for many wins. The new foreign player Montero, who replaces retired coach Nomura, was named "Spare Rib," highlighting the excitement surrounding his addition to the team.
The restaurant's manager, Takuya Hayashi, expressed optimism about the season, stating, "We have created a menu filled with expectations, especially with the new foreign players joining us. We will support them wholeheartedly this season!"
As the game commenced, the atmosphere at the stadium was electric. Fans donned their red Carp jerseys, chanting and cheering as they awaited the first pitch. The newly opened Minamoa building buzzed with activity, with many fans stopping by to grab a bite before heading to the game. The building, which houses various shops and restaurants, is expected to boost the local economy, especially during game days.
With the opening day festivities in full swing, the anticipation for the season ahead is palpable. The Carp, buoyed by the support of their fans and the community, are aiming for their first league title in seven years, and the addition of the new support song and the excitement of the opening day have set a hopeful tone for the season.
As the game unfolds, fans from all over Hiroshima are united in their support for the Carp, eager to see how the team will perform throughout the season. With the new song and the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the opening games, it seems like the Carp are ready to make a significant impact this year.
In conclusion, the combination of a new support song, the opening of Minamoa, and the annual traditions at Carp-dori create an exciting backdrop for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp as they embark on their 2025 season. The community's support, coupled with the team's aspirations, promises a thrilling season ahead.
