PLANO, Texas — Before the Netherlands and Japan face off Sunday afternoon at Dallas Stadium in the World Cup, the city of Plano welcomed the Japanese team’s fans to a celebration Saturday.
“Japan Day: Ultras Meets Plano” was held at McCall Plaza in the Downtown Plano Arts District in partnership with Ultras Nippon, the major support group for the Japanese national soccer team.
The night of cultural exchange between Plano and Japan included live music from a Japanese musician and a DJ, as well as a supporter cheer exchange between Ultras Nippon and the Dallas Beer Guardians, supporters of FC Dallas. There was also a live talk session with several figures in soccer.
“This event is about more than soccer,” Plano Mayor John Muns said in a statement. “It’s about culture, community, music, and creating connections between people from around the world right here in Downtown Plano.”