Public eye: Special Edition

Japan may have been defeated in their heartbreakingly close-run World Cup match against Holland, but they battled brilliantly holding off the efforts of higher-ranking Dutch team throughout the match and attacking fiercely in the second half of the game. The spirited play made for a well-fought match. The Time Out Café & Diner hosted a public viewing of the match, with special guests and a full house of passionate supporters. In this week’s public eye – a special World Cup edition – we’re going to introduce you to some of the supporters who gathered at the screening.

On the Thursday June 24, The Time Out Café & Diner and Liquidroom also showed Japan’s match against Denmark. It may have been in the middle of a weeknight, but it was crucial for securing Japan’s place in the top 16. World-famous Japanese DJs DJ Krush and Ken Ishii provided a soundtrack and VJ Mixnuts supplied the expert mix of football images that was such a crowd pleaser at the Japan vs Cameroon viewing. A host of special guests also joined in the fun, despite the early hours. (read more)

Mio Sugawara (27)
‘Go Japan! It was so good that a goal from Honda decided the match against Cameroon on the 14th. I hope Inamoto can score a winning goal against Denmark.’

Left: Tomomi Kawashima (22)
‘Kawashima, the goal keeper has the same name as me! Do our name proud!’

Right: Chiho Tsutsumi (24)
‘I’m excited to watch the soccer game with so many people! Keep fighting Japan!’

Makoto Adachi (28)
‘I’m expecting some game highlights from Tulio!’

Left: Haruki Kudo (6) Right: Yuto Kudo (9)
‘Go Japan! Especially Kawashima – do your best! We’ll be watching for you Kawashima!’

Left: Ohashi (27)
‘Coach Okada, Oka-chan! Keep it up!’

Right: Kentaro Kurata (27)
‘Okubo, don’t give up! I only play futsal, but I’m expecting a lot from the Japanese national team’s play!’

Left: Tomoko Koyama (29)
‘I’ve been a football fan for 12 years now! The World Cup is really exciting, but I often go and see FC Tokyo’s matches. I’m looking out for Nagatomo.’

Middle: Chika Matsuura (24)
‘I’m on a women’s football team. I’m a forward, so I want the Japanese team to move to the front in their game too. Attack the defence – I’d like to see that type of play. Attack and attack and attack!’

Right: Kendai Fukaya (26)
‘I’ve never once played soccer myself, but I love watching it. I’m particularly an Uchida fan. I want him to do his best!’

Left: Naomi Kashima (24)
‘My favourite player is Inamoto. I’ve been really into watching the World Cup since 1998, so I’ve seen four now. I’m praying that Japan will win in their match against Denmark and get into the top 16.’

Right: Akari Togashi (24)
‘I’m going for Endo. Thank you for livening up the team! Keep fighting and look towards getting into the top 16!’

Left: Minami Wada (22)
‘Samurai Japan, keep fighting! I’ll be shouting for you! I’m particularly supporting Inamoto.’

Middle: Misa Tanaka (22)
‘I want to see more of Shunsuke’s play! Go Japan!’

Right: Haruka Iida (22)
‘Keep Fighting Inamoto!’