So back in March a few of us went to the first home game of Kumamoto’s Roasso soccer team. I like soccer A LOT, so even though it was Division 2 it was entertaining for me. But at some times, it frankly looked like the same playing level as the men’s group I go play with on Tuesday evenings. To their credit though, they’re quite good.

Anyhow, some important things to know for those of you who want to go to a soccer game while in Kumamoto. First of all, verify the location of the game you plan on going to. They have two stadiums; usually it’s at the Umakana Yokana Stadium as pictured above, but sometimes it’s at the other one. But this is easily found on their website (if you’ve a working knowledge of Japanese). Also, you can usually buy tickets once you get there. I would say usually the stadium doesn’t fill up entirely. BUT! the parking lot does. So don’t get there too late or you’ll have to walk at least half a mile from your obscure parking location all the way to the stadium (like we did). So basically, give yourself time to get there without going completely cray.

All in all it was quite a bit of fun. They played against the Oita Trinita. (Who decides these names?) We were leading until the last 10 minutes of the game I’d say, and then it ended in a tie (1-1), which is definitely more frustrating to the players than it is to the audience. It’s quite a nice facility though, I was pleasantly surprised. And contrary to expectation, the crowd ended up getting pretty pumped on several occasions. There are quite a few onlookers dedicated to flag-waving and drum-beating and whatnot.

I want to go again but it is quite far, especially for a day journey from Amakusa. That being said, it’s quite possible, and totally worth it to get out of dodge every once in a while.