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Taichi Kato Wins Shootout to Claim Winter Tournament Title in Fukushima

Taichi Kato (JPN/ Yokohama OSC) claimed the Japan Satellite with a shoot out win over clubmate Takafumi Kido  2-1 after a 0-0 draw.

In the semifinals, Kido defeated Andrew Martini (JPN/Tokyo Sunzeol TFC) 4-0, while Kato beat Kazuki Okano (JPN/Yokohama OSC) 3-1.

Podium placegetters

The Winter Satellite Open tournament took place on January 12, 2025 in Iwaki City.

Iwaki City, located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, is a vibrant community that has overcome the significant challenges posed by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Despite the devastation caused by the disaster, Iwaki has steadily rebuilt itself and continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience.

Iwaki is also home to Iwaki FC, a football club competing in Japan’s J2 League. The team is renowned for its dedication to the community and has become a beacon of inspiration for sports enthusiasts in the region. The Iwaki FC Park, their state-of-the-art facility, played a pivotal role in hosting this historic tournament.

Table football was introduced to Iwaki two years ago thanks to the efforts of Mitsuhide Iwaki, a former Minister of Justice, who played a key role in connecting the local community with this sport. Since then, the sport has gained traction, culminating in the establishment of the Fukushima Table Football Club, which now boasts a membership of approximately 30 players.

This tournament was a landmark event, marking the first official FISTF-sanctioned tournament in the Tohoku region of Japan. Tohoku, which comprises six prefectures in the northeastern part of Japan, has historically been underrepresented in the table football community. Furthermore, this was the first official table football competition ever held in Fukushima Prefecture.

The tournament also marked the debut of players from the Fukushima Table Football Club in an official competition, representing a significant milestone for the local club. The event was held at Iwaki FC Park, providing an excellent venue that underscored the synergy between football and table football in the region.

In the Open category, 21 players participated.

The Plate tournament winner was Kazuhito Yoshihiro (JPN/Tokyo Sparkling Shooters).

Plate podium

We would like to extend our utmost respect to the officials of Iwaki FC Park and all the players who participated in this tournament.