Source : ABC NEWS
Young Japanese diaspora in Sydney will be showing up loud and proud in support of Japan against Australia’s Matildas at the Asian Cup final on Saturday.
Tens of thousands of soccer fans are expected at Sydney Olympic Park with ever-growing support for the Matildas.
While Japan’s fans will be outnumbered at Stadium Australia, the community will not be deterred from cheering at the sidelines.
The Sydney Sakura Kids Cheerleaders range in ages from three to 17. (Supplied: Akiko Pollock)
Throughout the tournament, the Sydney Sakura Kids Cheerleaders have shown their support for the Japanese players by bringing their chants and performances to the fan zone outside the stadium.
Akiko Pollock coaches the group at Pennant Hills in Sydney’s north, made up of about 40 children from as young as three years old — all are growing up in Australia and have Japanese heritage.
“Watching Japan’s team shine on the world stage was very inspiring for them and makes us feel proud,”
Ms Pollock said.
She said sporting events, like the Asian Cup, are an opportunity for the upcoming generation of Japanese-Australians to come together.
“We are not a big part of the audience … [the] Japanese community is very small in Australia.
“But everyone is together, we wear same uniform … and then cheering Japan’s team [is] very special.”
The Sydney Sakura Kids Cheerleaders performed at the fan zone during the tournament. (Supplied: Akiko Pollock)
‘Fingers crossed’ for the Matildas
Since the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the excitement for the Matildas has not wavered.
In their March 9 match against South Korea, a record-breaking crowd of 60,279 watched the teams draw 3-3.
Similar numbers are expected at Saturday’s showdown.
Akhil says the Matildas have worked hard to get to the final. (ABC News)
Matildas fan Akhil has been keeping a close watch on Australia’s progression.
“It’s been really exciting .… they’ve reached the finals, total hard work by everybody and honestly, fingers crossed,” he said.
Allanna and Shonece travelled to Sydney from Darwin for work and happened to be staying in the same hotel as the Matildas.
“It’s been really exciting … we’ve seen them in the lobby and stuff,” Allanna said.
“Kind of feels surreal because we just met them.”
While the pair were headed back home before the final, they were keeping an eye from afar.
“I’ll definitely be watching from Darwin,” Shonece said.
Shonece (left) says she will be be watching the match from Darwin. (ABC News)
Ms Pollock said for any major sporting event that involved global competition, she would usually support both Japan and Australia.
“To be honest, first Japan, then Australia, feels like home for us,” she said.
But being forced to pick between the two, her heart is with Japan.
“We will win and definitely they will lift that trophy,” she said.
Despite Japan having won the Asian Cup twice, in 2014 and 2018, Matildas fans Michael and David were certain the Tillies would secure it on home soil.
“I know Japan are coming in as the favourites, but Sam Kerr, we believe in you,” Michael said.
“We know you’re going to win the game for us and then we get a free public holiday, surely.“
Michael says Sam Kerr will win the game for Australia. (ABC News)
David said the energy from Australian fans gathered at Olympic Park would support the players to secure first place.
“The atmosphere itself is what’s going to change the game to make the Matildas win,” he said.
Ms Pollock was excited for her young cheerleaders to root for their home country and band together as Sydney’s Japanese supporters.
“For Japanese people living in Australia, this is very, very special,” she said.
“I believe [Saturday] will be such a huge away environment for Japan team, so we want the team to know we still will be there supporting them, even in a very small corner of the big stadium.”
