The annual Fuji Xerox Super Cup, held the weekend before the J. League opens for business, has over the last 25 years become a celebration of the league's vibrant and friendly matchday culture.
It's an excuse for neutral fans to converge, consume popular food items from across the league, meet and greet mascots from most of the league's 55 clubs and mark the start of a new year for Japanese pro soccer.
On the pitch, it's a chance for the champions of the previous year's first division and Emperor's Cup to add another trophy to their case and start the season on a winning note.