Doha, Qatar: Shogo Iwanaga, a football fan from Japan, has traveled all the way to Qatar to cheer on the Palestinian national team from the stadium stands during the Asian Cup 2023.
In a video interview with the local sports channel Al Kaas TV, Iwanaga expressed his empathy for the Palestinian people, he said “I am Shogo Iwanaga, from Nagoya, Japan, have come forward to support the Palestinian national team, empathizing with the people of Palestine who suffer from persecution, genocide, and racism.”
"Having experienced tough times during the earthquake in Japan, I relate to the pain of the Palestinian people, their players, and their families. Although an earthquake cannot be compared to war,” he added.
He was seen holding a banner that read, “Free Palestine - we pray for a world with no war and racism.”
#Japanese fan travels over 8,000 km to support #Palestine in #AsianCup2023
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) January 24, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/ta5Q1Ulkb9#HayyaAsia #Qatar2023 #Japan
Video: @AlkassTVSports pic.twitter.com/zxDGbbmW8W
Showcasing his solidarity with Palestinians, Iwanaga said, “I hope to offer my support by cheering for the Palestinian team from the stands, at least.”
In the scenario where Japan and Palestine might face each other, the Japanese fan, with a laugh, said, " I am Japanese and support the Japanese team, but I also cheer for Palestine."
As a football fan, Iwanaga also shared his aspirations for the tournament, expressing a desire to see Qatar and Japan reach the final match.
With the group stage coming to a close, Japan, Palestine, and Qatar all qualified for the Round of 16.
