VfB Stuttgart hopes to gain financially from Japan-trip

Football-Bundesliga - VfB Stuttgart hopes to gain financially from Japan-trip

The journey of VfB Stuttgart to the training camp in Japan is expected to bring a "financial benefit" for the Swabian Football Bundesligist. "This is an economically relevant journey – regardless, we are ambassadors for Germany, the Bundesliga, and Stuttgart," said Rouven Kasper, Marketing and Sales Board Member, to the German Press Agency, and referred to the fact that the country is one of the five international target markets for the club. "We want to build markets, activate and expand the fanbase."

VfB arrives in Japan on Friday and will play tests matches there until their return on August 1st against Kyoto Sanga FC and Sanfrecce Hiroshima. "We try to make this journey as pleasant as possible for the team. Everything is well-organized," said Kasper. "But it's still a long flight and it's summer in Japan, so it's very hot. The boys will feel that. But it's just part of the season preparation and this change doesn't have to be bad."

Moreover, Kasper emphasized that VfB would not fly charter planes to Asia. "We have booked three scheduled flights. That's the Swabian way and there's no additional sustainability impact in terms of flights," he said.

However, with the departure of defender Hiroki Ito to FC Bayern Munchen, there is no Japanese star in VfB's team. "This would have been a strong symbolic gesture," said Kasper. In addition to Anrie Chase, a young player, there is also Guido Buchwald, Shinji Okazaki, Gōtoku Sakai, and Cacau among the traveling party. Some club legends will be part of the group.

1. The training camp in Japan is a significant opportunity for VfB Stuttgart to promote their presence in the Football-Bundesliga and attract fans in Baden-Württemberg, as well as in Germany's other international target markets.
2. Despite the long flight and the hot weather in Japan, Rouven Kasper, the Marketing and Sales Board Member of VfB Stuttgart, assured that the team's journey is well-organized to make it as enjoyable as possible.
3. In preparation for their matches in Japan against Kyoto Sanga FC and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, VfB Stuttgart will adhere to their tradition of traveling using scheduled flights instead of charter planes, as a tribute to their Swabian roots.
4. In the absence of any Japanese stars in their team following Hiroki Ito's departure to FC Bayern Munchen, VfB Stuttgart will still be represented by players with Japanese origins, such as Guido Buchwald, Shinji Okazaki, Gōtoku Sakai, and Cacau, as well as club legends.
5. The German Press Agency reported on the anticipated benefits and challenges that VfB Stuttgart is set to face as they embark on their preparatory football training camp in Japan, providing a platform for the club's global exposure and soccer diplomacy.

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