NORTH TEXAS (KXII) – How far would you go to watch your favorite team?<\/p>\n
For Yuto, a 22-year-old student from Japan studying business in Pennsylvania, the answer was 1,200 miles\u2014on a bike!<\/p>\n
Yuto began his mighty trek from Pittsburgh to Dallas on May 13, just after moving out of his dorm room. <\/p>\n
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\u2019d be there to see it.<\/p>\n
What a journey<\/p>\n
Each night, when he\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt first I was so surprised, because I didn\u2019t expect many response,\u201d Yuto said. \u201cWhen I receive their kindness, my feelings are so much better even when I\u2019m tired.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 1,200-mile journey included six flat tires\u2014the last one coming on Thursday, his final day riding into North Texas.<\/p>\n
But with the help of a few friendly locals who simply couldn\u2019t believe the tale, Yuto was back on the road in no time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is just wild to me,\u201d Xavier Manriquez, who stopped to help, said of the trip. \u201cIt means a lot just to help someone out whenever you can. The little things make you feel a little bit better.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Japan takes the field in Dallas on Sunday, it will be a time of both national and personal pride.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so proud of me,\u201d Yuto said. \u201cI\u2019ve done this travel and meet many people, and, yeah, friend is forever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maybe the craziest part of all? Yuto said he bought the bike just for the trip, and was insistent that he \u201cdoesn\u2019t cycle much!\u201d<\/p>\n
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