Maeda Ken attends Rakuten SUPER MATCH as Vissel Kobe host Urawa Reds

Rakuten Group sponsored the 2026/27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League matchday 14 fixture between Vissel Kobe and Urawa Reds at MUFG Stadium on the 8th as the "Rakuten SUPER MATCH," according to a report by Soccer King citing a Rakuten release. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles pitcher Maeda Ken appeared as a guest at the event. Maeda took part in a scheme run with certified NPO AYA, which supports children with illnesses or disabilities and their families, aimed at giving children a memorable experience through sport. He met children practicing to be escort kids and presented them with T-shirts carrying support messages for Vissel Kobe from himself, Eagles teammates Muneyama Rui and Hayakawa Takahisa, and Vissel supporters. The children wore the shirts during the escort kids appearance. According to the release, Maeda's involvement followed his friendship with Vissel Kobe goalkeeper Gonda Shuichi, who is also active in support work, and Maeda's own wish to take part. In a message to the escort kids, Maeda said it was his first time entering MUFG Stadium and advised them to take a deep breath before stepping onto the pitch so they would remember the day.

Original report