Key Facts
• On December 30, the Tokyo Stock Exchange held its year-end closing ceremony.
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan national soccer team coach Hajime Moriyasu attended as guests.
• Takaichi pledged to switch from cheering in a tiger-striped uniform to the Samurai Blue next year.
• She delivered a wordplay linking the World Cup team’s effort to her cabinet’s work: “Run, run, run, run to victory.”
• Moriyasu emphasized team unity, toughness, and persistence to win the title.
• Moriyasu called for nationwide cooperation and support for Japan’s World Cup success.
• Takaichi struck the closing bell three times; Moriyasu struck it twice, receiving applause.
Summary
At the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s year-end ceremony on December 30, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan national soccer team coach Hajime Moriyasu jointly appeared as guests. Takaichi expressed strong support for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, promising to change her usual tiger-striped cheering uniform to the team’s iconic Samurai Blue. She creatively linked the team’s determination to her cabinet’s efforts with a spirited wordplay about running tirelessly to victory. Moriyasu echoed this resolve, highlighting the importance of team unity and resilience to capture the championship. He also called on all Japanese citizens to unite in support, emphasizing that the World Cup is a global contest between nations. The event concluded with both striking the closing bell, symbolizing a hopeful start to the new year and the World Cup campaign.
