#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Culture #LUZeSOMBRA #SOUSHI FUKUCHI

Rediscovering Japanese Culture and Education

In the 29th episode of the radio program "Nippori Seminar", we spotlight SOUSHI FUKUCHI, the founder and creative director of the football culture brand LUZeSOMBRA. The program, operated by LAMM Inc., aims to share valuable lessons from individuals with diverse backgrounds in business and culture. FUKUCHI's story is not just about building a brand but also a reflection of his journey shaped by passion, challenges, and a love for football.

A Journey Through Childhood

From a young age, FUKUCHI was passionate about sports, particularly football. However, he faced challenges growing up due to his devout Christian mother's commitment to attending mass, which often interfered with his ability to engage in sports on weekends. Despite his love for football, he struggled with the conflict between his athletic desires and familial obligations. Yet, watching his mother find joy in their religious practices made it difficult for him to voice his reluctance to participate.

The turning point in FUKUCHI's life came in the winter of his first year of junior high school when he was invited to join the soccer club. Leveraging physical endurance developed through daily running, he quickly became an essential team member and experienced the first true sense of fulfillment in his life. His passion for football deepened during high school, where he dedicated himself to pursuing a professional career in the sport. However, at age 18, fate dealt him a harsh blow when his club team collapsed due to financial mismanagement by the team owner, forcing him to abandon his dream.

Embracing the World

In a quest for meaning and purpose after his professional hopes were dashed, FUKUCHI took to the road, embarking on an adventurous backpacking journey across various countries. Through football, he forged connections with people across cultures, leading him to embrace a powerful realization: “I could do anything, and there was nothing to be afraid of.” This transformative experience birthed the concept of a “lifestyle of playing with the earth and a ball.”

In partnership with his local friend MICHIO SHIMIZU, FUKUCHI co-founded LUZeSOMBRA with a vision rooted in this lifestyle. Starting from scratch in the apparel industry, both men faced an uphill battle. They borrowed money from friends and sought mentorship from apparel designers, learning through trial and error. However, their perseverance paid off, and today LUZeSOMBRA is recognized for not just crafting quality football apparel but also for hosting festivals like "FUTEBOLiSTA", which blends football, music, and art across Japan.

Insights from the Podcast

In this episode of "Nippori Seminar," we delve deep into FUKUCHI's colorful life journey, which resembles that of a protagonist in a shounen manga. The first part of the interview explores his childhood struggles and later successes in football, setting the stage for the challenges he faced. In the second part, we will discuss his international adventures and the birth of LUZeSOMBRA, alongside future goals. We invite you to listen to both parts and immerse yourself in his inspiring narrative.

Stay Tuned for the Broadcast

The first part featuring FUKUCHI will air on October 3, 2025, followed by the second part on October 17, 2025, at 7 PM. The episode titled “Football Changed Everything - SOUSHI FUKUCHI: From Childhood Struggles to Brand Creation” is set to leave you inspired and energized.

Future Aspirations

FUKUCHI aims to continue expanding globally through football, believing that regardless of one’s background, playing together creates bonds that lead to new opportunities. His appearance on "Nippori Seminar" was a result of his role as a coach for the futsal team Escape, where he formed connections with the show’s main host, KOUTA NIMURA. By nurturing these relationships, FUKUCHI strives for further growth while remaining committed to his vision of using football as a tool for cultural exchange and personal development.

About LUZeSOMBRA

Founded in 2005, LUZeSOMBRA represents a blend of creativity influenced by FUKUCHI's background and experiences. It transcends conventional football culture by pursuing collaborative projects across various artistic realms, including partnerships with graffiti artists and musicians. Initiatives like "FUTEBOLiSTA" pave the way for a new movement in Japan’s football scene, making FUKUCHI a significant player in shaping contemporary football culture.

To learn more about LUZeSOMBRA, you can visit their official website or follow them on Instagram @luzesombra_official.

Tune in to experience the evolution of football culture through the eyes of SOUSHI FUKUCHI, and discover how personal struggles can lead to monumental achievements.