Chair, Japan Women's Professional Football League (WE League)

Kikuko Okajima

Heartfelt congratulations on holding the second Charity Match of Europe-Based Players in Onagawa. The football world plays a role in sharing the story of Tohoku's towns and people as they progress toward recovery, and in advancing that recovery together. Within the WE League, Mynavi Sendai Ladies symbolizes this role. This tournament brings together women footballers who play in Europe. I look forward to seeing them, having honed their skills around the world, show their vibrant selves here in Onagawa.

Randolph-Macon College (USA)

Professor Lauren Bell

I am so pleased that the Women‘s Empowerment League has been formed to use football to help women and girls from Japan, from Europe, and eventually from the rest of the world to build confidence and to become secure in their inherent value. I look forward to seeing how the WE League grows over the years and to seeing the positive impact that football and intercultural exchange has in the lives of the players and fans.

the first Japanese woman to transfer to a club abroad (Italy's Reggiana Zanberri) / former Japan national team forward

Kaori Nagamine

Thirty years have passed since I set off for Italy, filled with both anxiety and hope. I am delighted that so many players are now active both in Japan and abroad, and I will be cheering them on! Blog: "Nadeshiko Tales of Old"

Representative Director, Kokoro Smile Project (general incorporated association)

Chiho Shimura

I hope that children who have endured hardship and given up on many things because of the disaster will, through watching these women footballers active in Europe, come to know that women too can shine on the world stage — and that this will become a spark for them to hold hope for the future and take their first steps toward their dreams.