Niigata 3
World Cup Begins in Niigata
by Satoru Yoshida, Kobari Junior High School
On June 1 Cameroon and Ireland played in the first World Cup match in Niigata. On that day, there were lots of stalls out on the walkway from the station to Niigata Stadium Big Swan, and you could see foreign and Japanese people chatting to each other. That is what the World Cup is all about, and it was great to see. I would like to introduce some of the events that have been taking place in Niigata to celebrate the start of the World Cup.
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This picture shows the hotel where the Croatian team stayed. The flags are a sign of welcome for the Croatian players. It was not just at the hotel where you could see the Croatian flag; there were some small flags on display in the surrounding streets, too. And in other parts of town, the flags of Mexico, Ireland, and Cameroon can be seen. |
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This photo shows the "citizens' welcome plates" that line the path from Niigata Station to Benten Bridge. There are three kinds of plate, with a picture of Bandai Bridge, tulips, or the Big Swan stadium on each. A total of 2002 plates line the path. On each plate is written the message "Welcome to Niigata" in one of eight languages. The plates also serve to guide people to the stadium. If you happen to be passing by, please stop and take a look at the plates. |
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This is a picture of the first event of the Welcome Parade in NIIGATA. They are entertaining the crowd with a street performance. |
| This photo shows a parade to cheer on the Mexican team. Everyone from little children to adults danced, and the cactuses were very impressive. |  |
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Here is a picture of the main attraction in the parade, a giant snake. It is made of bamboo and straw and has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the longest such snake in the world. It is 82.2 meters long and weighs about two tons. Making the snake out of bamboo and straw is typical of Niigata, I thought. |
| This photo is of the Niigata Minato Festa. At this carnival, there was a concert and a mini soccer tournament. Men and women of all ages enjoyed the event. Among other things, there were traditional country crafts on show. It was just as if the summer festival season had come early. |  |
