I experienced my first soccer game in Japan with my friend, and let me tell you — she’s hardcore! Honestly, everyone there was. The camaraderie and team spirit of the Yokohama fans completely blew my mind. Each side had a leader with a megaphone conducting chants and call-and-response songs throughout the entire match. The leader would shout out, the crowd would roar back, drums thundered through the stadium, massive flags waved to the beat, and the Yokohama fans chanted loud enough for the whole world to hear. Even though the opposing team’s fans were smaller in numbers, they were still intense! Every quiet moment they got, they made their presence known. It was a mind blowing experience. If you are one who thinks Japanese are quiet, think again! The Yokohama fans kept that same hardcore energy and team spirit going for the entire 90 minutes — nonstop. I’d honestly say they put fans in the States to shame! Haha.  

Before I left, Shuk and I made it our mission to take as many BeReals together as possible. I think we ended up taking 13, which is pretty impressive considering how busy her schedule is!