NORTH TEXAS (KXII) – How far would you go to watch your favorite team?
For Yuto, a 22-year-old student from Japan studying business in Pennsylvania, the answer was 1,200 miles—on a bike!
Yuto began his mighty trek from Pittsburgh to Dallas on May 13, just after moving out of his dorm room.
When he learned Japan would play in the United States this summer during the FIFA World Cup, there was never a doubt in his mind that he’d be there to see it.
What a journey
Each night, when he’d end up in a new town, Yuto would post about his journey in local social media groups and wait. He found a place to pitch his tent every time, without fail.
“At first I was so surprised, because I didn’t expect many response,” Yuto said. “When I receive their kindness, my feelings are so much better even when I’m tired.”
The 1,200-mile journey included six flat tires—the last one coming on Thursday, his final day riding into North Texas.
But with the help of a few friendly locals who simply couldn’t believe the tale, Yuto was back on the road in no time.
“That is just wild to me,” Xavier Manriquez, who stopped to help, said of the trip. “It means a lot just to help someone out whenever you can. The little things make you feel a little bit better.”
When Japan takes the field in Dallas on Sunday, it will be a time of both national and personal pride.
“I’m so proud of me,” Yuto said. “I’ve done this travel and meet many people, and, yeah, friend is forever.”
Maybe the craziest part of all? Yuto said he bought the bike just for the trip, and was insistent that he “doesn’t cycle much!”
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