AFC Captain Hiroki Sakai, accompanied by Consul General Shinji Matsui and his wife, Mrs. Yuka Matsui, attended the ASB Classic yesterday.
The group were there to witness the highly anticipated opening day of the tournament and enjoy fellow compatriot Naomi Osaka take out a straight-sets victory.
The event highlighted the intersection of sport, culture, and diplomacy, with Sakai & Osaka, prominent figures in sport, and Matsui’s promoting Japan’s close diplomatic ties to New Zealand.
Their presence at the event underscored the growing importance of fostering relationships through cultural and sporting exchanges.
