Japan Tour 2022: Happiness, meetings and preparation!

Twelve days passed between the whole Parisian delegation's arrival in Tokyo and their departure from Osaka on Sunday evening. Back in Paris on Monday, the Paris Saint-Germain players bring back a lot of experiences and unforgettable memories from this Asian tour.

First of all, there were these unique moments of connection, filled with incredible support from the Japanese. Lulled by the local fervor, visible every day in front of the hotel or during each procession leading to the stadium, our Rouge et Bleu were the first to experience the Japanese fans' affection towards them.

This was evident during the two training sessions open to the public in Tokyo, where more than 13,000 people came to the stadium to see the Parisians train, before 20,000 people in Osaka did the same. The popularity of Paris Saint-Germain was confirmed during the three matches played by the team, which were sold out in front of 60,000, 65,000 and 41,000 people depending on the capacity of the stadiums allocated for the occasion.

A real local euphoria, still perceptible in the aisles of the ephemeral stores around the stadiums, as in its pop-up store, literally sold out during the release of the Away collection, unveiled during the Japanese tour. Not to mention the exclusive collaboration with Japanese designers Nigo, Verdy and Makoto Yamaki.

The link was further strengthened at each of the players' outings to meet the Japanese fans. Thus, many moments of exchange and sharing punctuated the week, like these unique moments with the budding fans of the PSG Academy.

Of course, in the land of the rising sun, the Parisians also took the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Japanese experience, be it cultural, sporting or culinary!

From sushi tastings to temple visits, including learning Judo under the watchful eye of Teddy Riner, the experience was immersive.

Finally, this tour was part of the team's summer preparations, with daily training sessions and three friendly matches on the program. A success on all fronts, since the capital club won 1-2 against the defending J-League champions Kawasaki Frontale, then won 0-3 against the Reds Diamonds, before beating Gamba Osaka 2-6. A notable rise to power before the return to competition for Christophe Galtier's men.

"Even though we had a long trip, we had very good conditions to work in. And the team was serious throughout the Japan Tour. There were things that were put in place as we went along, there were very good things during the three matches," confirmed the coach when speaking to PSGTV at the end of the final match.

So between the discoveries, the meetings, the enjoyment offered and shared on the field and in these accumulated moments, the Parisians returned to the French capital with the memory of a trip both rich in experience, and the feeling of job well done. So thank you Japan, thank you Tokyo, thank you Osaka. Arigato gozaimasu !

Photos J. Scussel/PSG, C. Gavelle/PSG