In the summer, Red Bull acquired its next football club: Omiya Ardija from Japan. Their fans look forward to sporting success – and fear for their identity.
November 8, 2024, 4:51 p.m
When Shinnosuke first heard about this big investor joining his club, he thought, “Great! We’re finally getting better!” Because in the third division, where the club from the northern edge of Tokyo is currently languishing, no one at Omiya Ardija feels that they are in good hands. In 2016 they were sixth in the J-League, of Japan top division. Then the free fall began. “But now we’re going to be a top club,” Shinnosuke announces, stroking the crest on his chest. “Most certainly!”
On a Sunday at the end of October, the 21-year-old and his friend Naonari, the same age, march to the Nack5 Stadium in Omiya full of triumphant certainty. Everyone can find their way there. The electricity boxes, lanterns and shop window shutters are everywhere painted orange – the color of Omiya Ardija. “If we get a point today, we are champions,” says Naonari, who is of course dressed in orange. “In a few years Orange will be playing in the first league again!” If everything goes well.