August 6 – A Day That Lives in the Heart of the City
For the people of Hiroshima, August 6 is more than a date. It is a day that connects the past and the future, a moment to pray for peace, honour the victims and renew the vow that such a tragedy must never happen again.
“Peace is absolute in Hiroshima,” says Shiozaki. “There is a fundamental belief that war can never be allowed. The memory of that war and the atomic bombing appeals to our hearts, reminding us that for human beings to kill each other or to possess and use nuclear weapons brings nothing of value.”
This conviction shapes the daily life of the city. Peace is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality, woven into education, culture and sport.
Football as a Messenger of Peace
When asked how football can carry Hiroshima’s message to younger generations, Shiozaki is clear: “Instead of conflict in the form of war, we compete through the sport of football. To truly ‘fight’ does not mean to harm others, but to compete fairly within the rules with the goal of victory.”
Football’s universal language transcends borders and gender, making it a powerful medium to teach children that rivalry does not require hostility.
Resilience on the Pitch – The Post-War Spirit of Hiroshima Football
Hiroshima’s football culture carries the DNA of resilience. Just two years after the bombing, Hiroshima High School Affiliated Middle School won the first national post-war middle school football tournament.
“It became a symbol of post-war recovery,” Shiozaki reflects. “Even now, Hiroshima football is imbued with the mindset of never giving up until the end, working hard, and fighting fairly with a team-first spirit.”
The Peace Memorial Football Tournament – Football with a Purpose
While the Peace Memorial Football Tournament develops youth football in Hiroshima, its deeper mission is to share peace through sport. By inviting overseas teams, the event blends competition with peace education.
“I want the players to understand that the reason they can immerse themselves in what they love is because peace exists,” Shiozaki explains. “They should learn from history that war produces nothing.”
A visit to the Peace Memorial Museum, listening to the testimonies of survivors and standing before the Atomic Bomb Dome are powerful experiences that organisers hope will stay with every participant.
Coaching Philosophy – Building Players and People
Sanfrecce Hiroshima inherits a philosophy from its predecessor Mazda Soccer Club: before becoming a top football player, one must be an upstanding member of society.
“This was taught by Kazuo Imanishi, Japan’s first general manager,” Shiozaki notes. “As professionals who give dreams to children, coaches must never stop learning. That is the identity of Sanfrecce Hiroshima — development and community.”
This philosophy was reinforced during a recent seminar by Takano-san, a close friend of Shiozaki. “He built his position through his own effort and continues to aim higher. By sharing his experiences in Europe, he helps us grow not only as coaches but as people admired by children.”
Looking Outward – The Value of International Exchange
For Hiroshima, international exchange is about more than football tactics. “It is about mutual understanding and accepting different values,” Shiozaki says. “It is also about having others learn about Hiroshima and our efforts to create and expand a peaceful world.”
The Identity of Hiroshima Football
When asked to define the city’s football identity in a single sentence, Shiozaki’s answer is immediate: “To value people.”
In a city that has known the worst of human destruction yet chosen to answer with unity and respect, football is more than a sport. It is a living testament to the belief that through fairness, teamwork and compassion, even the deepest scars can give rise to hope.
