Göztepe's Japanese Star Matsuki Meets His Compatriots in Izmir

Kuryu Matsuki, the Japanese footballer of Göztepe, which competes in the Trendyol Super League, came together with Japanese citizens living in Izmir at a special event. The event, organized by HIS Travel and Göztepe Sports Club on Sunday, September 15 at Gürsel Aksel Stadium, was attended by 40 participants representing 10 Japanese companies operating in Izmir.

The event started with the special opening of the Göztepe Museum, which has not yet been opened to the public, to the Japanese participants. Visitors received detailed information about Göztepe's legendary football players, historical achievements and trophies, and had the opportunity to get to know the history of the club closely under the guidance of the museum staff. On digital screens, unforgettable matches of Göztepe, which left its mark on Turkish sports history, fan shows and newspaper news from the period were displayed. The event also continued with a tour of the toy museum, which attracts attention with its collection of 7,000 pieces.

The excitement peaked with the arrival of Kuryu Matsuki, who Göztepe transferred from Japan. The participants had the opportunity to meet Matsuki, get his autograph and have a souvenir photo taken. Japanese participants presented the footballer with specially prepared message cards and wished him well. The guests sang Göztepe slogans together with Matsuki and wished the footballer good luck with Sanbon-jime clapping, which is unique to Japanese culture.

During the event, a pennant box and flowers symbolizing Japanese-Turkish cooperation were presented to Kuryu Matsuki by HIS Travel. In addition, Göztepe Sports Club and museum representatives who hosted the organization were thanked and presented a pennant box in memory of the day.

The event continued with a special tour organized at Gürsel Aksel Stadium. Participants were introduced to the stands, transition areas and the pitch, and were informed about the capacity and technical features of the stadium. The event ended with a collective souvenir photo taken on the pitch. After the event, the store where Göztepe Sports Club products are sold was also visited.

This meeting was an unforgettable experience for the Japanese community in Izmir and once again demonstrated how strong the friendship and cooperation between the two cultures is.