With its eyes firmly set on the 2025 season, the Nagoya Grampus soccer club has rolled out extensive preparations aimed at energizing its players and supporters alike. Announcing their official support song for the upcoming season, the club has once again collaborated with the noted piano rock band Qaijff who have provided support songs since 2016. Their new composition, titled "掴まえろ頂点を" (Catch the Top), is set to be unveiled during halftime of the home match against Vissel Kobe on February 22, 2025.
Over the years, Qaijff has built up quite the track record with Grampus, having previously contributed tunes like "Don't Stop The Music," "未来emotion" (Future Emotion), and many others, making this year their tenth consecutive season being involved. Each song has helped to rally the fan base, with the previous year's hit, "誇れ" (Pride), clinching the Number 1 spot on the ZIP-FM official chart and establishing itself as a long-running hit especially across the Tokai region.
Qaijff is known for creating music imbued with emotion and strength — elements they blend skillfully to reflect the sentiments of Nagoya Grampus fervent supporters. Their frontman expressed how the band feels energized by the fans: "Loving Grampus and continuing to fight for victory is our pride. We pour all the power we received from the Grampus family back through our music."
This dedication to community spirit extends beyond music as Nagoya Grampus also revealed the newly elected officials within the players' union for the 2025 season. Midfielder Tsukasa Morishima, age 27, will take on the role of union president, emphasizing his goal to create an environment where players can fully focus on soccer. He stated through the official club website, "I will work to connect players with the club, guiding us toward a positive direction. Thank you for your support."
Alongside Morishima is Ken Kazu Nagai, the 35-year-old forward who reprises his role as vice president, adding, "I will support Tsukasa and continue to work hard for the team! Grampus family, thank you for your support this season!" The traditional leadership structure of the team continues with Dragon Izumi, 31, as the captain and Yuhei Tokumoto, 29, along with Gen Kato, 21, as vice-captains.
The excitement builds as the club heads toward their opening fixtures, with fresh talent being tested and established players stepping up. The squad for the match against Vissel Kobe sees the inclusion of new signing Daiki Miyake, who makes his first start after joining from Fukuka FC. Having previously showcased his talents and prowess during preparation matches, Miyake’s inclusion aims to strengthen defensive capabilities on the field.
On February 22, Nagoya Grampus faced Vissel Kobe at Toyota Stadium, where their drive and strategy were put to the test. A highlight of the match was midfielder Yuhei Tokumoto’s stunning direct free-kick goal. Achieving the club's first goal of the season, Tokumoto’s impressive skill on the ball surprised opponents as he opted for a low, driven shot rather than the conventional high wall strategy. Fans erupted on social media, praising the shot and expressing how exciting it was to watch. Comments flooded with reactions like, "What a kick!" and "Perfectly executed!" reflecting the exhilaration felt around the team as they stepped onto the field.
With strong community ties and organizational structure, coupled with fresh strategies both on and off the pitch, Nagoya Grampus is clearly positioned to not only navigate the 2025 season but to thrive within it. Their official support song and the energetic narrative encapsulating their community spirit builds promise for what’s to come. The upcoming season not only carries hopes of success within matches but also emphasizes the unity forged between the players and their supporters, making for one incredibly vibrant soccer season.