As the part of ''JENESYS 2.0'' youth exchange programme, which is promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a nine-day event for the youth generation (Under-14) between Japan and ASEAN nations were held in Osaka, Yokohama and Tokyo from the 1st-9th April. For the exhibition games between the 3rd-6th April at 'J-GREEN'' in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, a total of 14 teams, including the 10 ASEAN Football Federation members, East Timor, Japan Under-14 national team, Cerezo Osaka Under-14, Gamba Osaka Kadoma (Under-14), played a total of 38 matches and deepened their understanding of each other.

After that, the AFF teams visited the Expo Stadium to watch a J. League first division game between Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers, and then moved to Tokyo to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. They also visited Nissan Stadium and other commercial venues in Tokyo before they wrapped up their nine-day tour.

Participants nations: 10 ASEAN nations (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and East Timor

Comments

Azzuddin Ahmad　Secretary General of ASEAN Football Federation
We appreciated the Japanese government, Japan Football Association and Osaka for having given us the exchanging opportunities for the Under-14 football players of the ASEAN nations and Japan. I don’t think there is a better language to deepen our relationships more than the sport of football. We would like to continue to exchange between us by holding events like this for the youth generation.

TASHIMA Kohzo　Japan Football Association Vice Chairman
You Under-14 players are of the generation that are expected to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, which will be held in 2020. We are looking forward to reuniting with you all at the time.