Soccer Day

What Is Soccer Day?

November 11th is "Soccer Day" in Japan. The date comes from soccer being played 11 against 11, and it was established by Esport Mizuno (now MIZUNO TOKYO), a store run directly by sporting goods maker Mizuno. Each "11" is also likened to a player's two legs, so "11-11" represents two sides competing for a single ball.

A Simple Holiday Born From the "11-Player" Rule

Soccer Day is one of the "sports anniversaries" established by Esport Mizuno, with the aim of further popularizing soccer. The same series includes Ski Day (January 12), Golf Day (May 28), and Baseball Day (August 9).

• Origin: comes from soccer being played with 11 players per team, 22 in total (11 versus 11)
• Purpose: to further popularize soccer
• Another image: each "11" is likened to a player's two legs, with "11-11" showing both sides competing for one ball

A Sport That Blends Individual Skill and Teamwork

With just 11 players on the field, soccer demands that each player fulfill their role while coordinating with teammates, requiring both individual skill and team strategy. In Japan, the professional J.League kicked off on May 15, 1993, making soccer an even more familiar sport.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Watch a match from your favorite soccer team
• Get out and kick a ball around yourself
• Look into the history and rules of soccer
• Reflect on memories of playing soccer as a kid

The Bond of 11 Players Becomes One Force on the Pitch

When 11 players, each with a different role, come together, the true thrill of soccer emerges. November 11th is a day to rediscover the appeal of team sports.