#Japan #Tokyo #Pokémon #Keisuke Honda #4v4 Soccer

Exciting News: Keisuke Honda's 4v4 Soccer Gets a Pokémon Twist!

In an exhilarating partnership, Now Do Inc., headed by Japanese soccer star Keisuke Honda, and the Pokémon Company, have unveiled an exciting campaign titled 'Aim for JAPAN CUP! Challenge the Rival Teams.' This initiative will run from November 1 to November 30, 2025, inviting children to engage in a unique 4v4 soccer experience infused with the beloved world of Pokémon.

This campaign aims to encourage 'Challenge Teams,' who aspire to participate in the JAPAN CUP 2025, to face off against strong 'Rival Teams' that have already secured their spots in the tournament. The Pokémon will cheer on these young competitors, reinforcing the campaign's essence of perseverance and growth—principles cherished by both 4v4 soccer and Pokémon alike.

Campaign Details

The initiative targets all 4v4 tournaments and certified events that feature Rival Teams throughout the specified period. To amplify the excitement and engagement, custom-designed bibs featuring the striker Pokémon 'Cinderace' will be provided for the Challenge Teams, while Rival Teams will sport bibs adorned with the shadow Pokémon 'Gengar.' Additionally, all participants will receive Pokémon-themed keykeeper marks, and victors will be awarded exclusive Pokémon stickers.

As we approach the JAPAN CUP, a mere month away, the Pokémon characters are here to provide encouragement, inspiring children not to give up on their dreams.

Official Campaign Overview

• - Campaign Name: Aim for JAPAN CUP! Challenge the Rival Teams
• - Duration: November 1 (Sat) - November 30 (Sun), 2025
• - Eligible Tournaments: All official 4v4 tournaments and certified events held during the campaign period, specifically those featuring Rival Teams.
• - Event Registration: Register Here

Benefits for Rival Teams

Rival Teams consist of all squads that have secured spots in the JAPAN CUP, including those confirmed through local rounds and Gold Rank tournament champions. Participating teams will enjoy the following perks:
1. Free Participation: No entry fee for all official tournaments during the campaign period.
2. Custom Bibs: Rental of Gengar-designed bibs during their matches (subject to availability).
3. Participation Prize (Keykeeper Marks): Each participating team will receive a Pokémon-themed keykeeper mark, limited in quantity.
4. Winner's Reward (Stickers): Teams that defeat Challenge Teams will receive special Pokémon stickers.

Benefits for Challenge Teams

Challenge Teams are defined as those not yet confirmed for the JAPAN CUP, including novice squads that are warmly welcomed to participate as challengers alongside Pokémon. The benefits are as follows:
1. Rental Bibs: Rental of Cinderace-designed bibs during their matches (both teams are encouraged but subject to availability).
2. Participation Prize (Keykeeper Marks): Similar to Rival Teams, each participating team will receive a Pokémon-themed keykeeper mark, until stocks last.
3. Winner's Reward (Stickers): Teams that finish equal to or higher than Rival Teams will receive Pokémon stickers, fostering a competitive spirit.

What is 4v4 Soccer?

The 4v4 format, devised by Keisuke Honda to invigorate the Japanese soccer scene, is a fresh approach to the sport aimed primarily at elementary-aged children (U10, U12). Launched in 2023 under the mission of 'Bringing the Soccer World Cup to Every Child,' this innovative tournament encourages repeated challenges, enabling children to grow through a unique points system.

With matches scheduled for 10 minutes each and the opportunity for constant substitutions, children can strategically engage while GKs can participate in the offense, enhancing their overall experience. Coaches and mentors are not allowed to be present on the benches, emphasizing autonomy for the children. By cultivating their problem-solving abilities, this initiative seeks to nurture future soccer stars, contributing to the advancement of Japan's soccer landscape.

• - Official 4v4 Website: 4v4 Site

Pokémon Stars: Cinderace and Gengar

Cinderace, introduced in the 2019 video game 'Pokémon Sword and Shield,' is known for its exceptional footwork and signature move, 'Pyro Ball,' garnering attention as a striker Pokémon.

• - Classification: Striker Pokémon
• - Type: Fire
• - Height: 1.4m
• - Weight: 33.0kg
• - Ability: Blaze

On the other hand, Gengar, the shadow Pokémon, possesses ghostly and toxic attributes, bringing a rich history to the Pokémon battles that will electrify the tournament atmosphere.

• - Classification: Shadow Pokémon
• - Type: Ghost/Poison
• - Height: 1.5m
• - Weight: 40.5kg
• - Ability: Cursed Body

Company Overview

Now Do Inc.

• - Location: 11th Floor, Shinjuku Mitsui Building, Nishi-Shinjuku 2-1-1, Tokyo, Japan
• - CEO: Keisuke Honda
• - Established: 2017
• - Core Offerings: Management of 4-player soccer tournaments, educational services, sports talent matchmaking, and development of operational systems.
• - Website: Now Do

The Pokémon Company

• - Location: 8F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
• - CEO: Tsunekazu Ishihara
• - Established: April 23, 1998
• - Core Offering: Brand management of Pokémon across multimedia, including games, card games, TV shows, movies, merchandise, and promotional events.
• - Website: Pokémon Company

Remember to include copyright attribution when featuring images from this campaign: ©2025 Pokémon. ©1995-2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.