“Maruhan × Sint-Truiden VV Cup supported by KAKUICHI in Odawara” Held!
The Maruhan × Sint-Truiden VV Cup supported by KAKUICHI was held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Shiroyama Athletic Stadium.
As a special sponsor, Maruhan East Japan Company provided MY FOOTBALL KITs to all children participating in the tournament.
Through the partnership between Maruhan East Japan and Sint-Truiden VV, a club in Belgium’s first-division football league (following the capital and business alliance established in 2022), the tournament had previously been held three times in Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture. Based on the success and recognition of those events, this special sponsorship made it possible to host the tournament in Odawara City for the first time.
The “Maruhan × Sint-Truiden VV Cup supported by KAKUICHI” is a football tournament for elementary school students in fourth grade and below, and featured 14 teams from both within and outside Odawara City that are officially registered with the Odawara Football Association.
In addition, a number of special guests were invited, including Aya Miyama, former member of the Japan Women’s National Football Team; Mana Iwabuchi, former member of the Japan Women’s National Football Team; Karen Robert, former member of the Japan National Football Team; Keita Suzuki, former member of the Japan National Football Team; and football YouTuber Unpa-Rumpa.
A wide variety of programs were held, including autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and a special lecture by Keita Suzuki titled “Building the Foundation for Children’s Growth and Physical Development.” The event created an exciting and memorable experience together with 568 attendees.
It was a truly wonderful tournament, collaboratively created by the participating children, the supporting corporate sponsors, and employees of Maruhan, working hand in hand with the local community.
The weather on the day of the event was pleasant and warm despite being November, and the players ran energetically across the pitch in pursuit of their goals.
Through special programs such as lectures, photo sessions, and children’s “hero interviews,” the tournament offered a unique experience that went beyond what is typically found in regular competitions.
Overall, the event became a memorable day in which the children were able to enjoy sports, learn the importance of communication, and deepen their love for football—focusing not only on winning and losing, but on the joy of the game itself.
Both children and adults were completely absorbed in the MY FOOTBALL KIT, and simply watching the children enjoy making and playing with it brought energy and encouragement to everyone on the organizing team.
We received comments from Mr. Masaru Akao,
Chief, Sports Business / CSO,
Corporate Planning Department, Maruhan East Japan Company.
“The sight of children striving day after day toward their dreams of becoming future football players—working hard and demonstrating strong teamwork—together with the warm support from the local community that helped energize this tournament, truly embodied the philosophy of ‘Dream Challenger¹’ that Maruhan East Japan upholds.*
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to all partner companies and organizations that supported the operation of this tournament. Thank you very much.
The ‘Dream Challenger’ philosophy represents the kind of people we aspire to be as individuals working at Maruhan East Japan, and our desire to be a company that supports everyone who continues to challenge themselves in pursuit of their dreams. We believe that passion—doing what you love—can become the driving force to change the world. We support Dream Challengers of all ages who pursue their passions wholeheartedly and continue to challenge their dreams, and we aim to create a society where everyone can live that way.
The ‘MY FOOTBALL KIT’ event by Molten was also held in Odawara for the first time, and it was delivered to all children and families who attended. It allowed us to create many smiles among everyone who participated.
Maruhan East Japan’s corporate activities are supported by the local community. When communities are revitalized, companies grow—and through corporate growth, communities develop. We cherish this mutually supportive relationship of ‘walking forward together.’ Continuity is essential, and we will continue to work hard so that we can host tournaments and events again in the coming years.
This tournament also provided a valuable opportunity for children, local businesses, government representatives, the football association, and parents to come together in one place. Through venue setup and operational support, Maruhan East Japan was able to contribute to the tournament and further strengthen our network and trust with the local community.
Since opening our Odawara store in 2021, Maruhan East Japan has steadily built relationships with Odawara City through regional initiatives, including the Corporate Hometown Tax Program. Going forward, we will continue working alongside the community to contribute to the healthy development of young people and regional revitalization.
Finally, we would like to once again express our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this tournament and event possible. Thank you very much.”
Once again, this event provided a wonderful opportunity to deliver experiences that inspire growth for children.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone at Maruhan East Japan Company.
Tournament Website:
https://maruhan-stvvcup-lp.net/odawara/
Maruhan East Japan Company Website:
https://www.maruhan.co.jp/east/
Football School Website:
https://leukste-sport.com/