The promised tickets actually arrived...
Mark Perryman and his partner, Anne, stayed with us for a few days during the World Cup. We introduced them to onigiri (rice balls) as a pre-match snack, and ramen (Chinese noodles) as a greasy after-match meal. They provded us with t-Shirts and lots of fun.
Scary thought - that man on the left is partly responsible for the organization of the England fan club!
They make T-shirts, for their company Philosophy Football
The first World Cup game ever in Japan, and Tomo and I were there to see it. A great atmosphere, and a decent game.
We spent some time hob-nobbing with the stars...
Mark the diplomat, arriving on style on borrowed bicycles, and randomly meeting Steve from the Saitama Jets at the stadium.
Before the game, just after big Sol scored, and after the game, meeting up with Mark, Yumi and Jim in the stadium.
Making friends before the game, and the famous flag...