At times, the trip to Japan was completely ruled out for Barça. The promoter wasn't fulfilling the contract and, just a few hours after the statement, Rakuten stepped in. Hiroshi Mikitani, the company's CEO, took the bull by the horns by paying the €5 million that had been agreed upon in the contractual agreement to play against Vissel Kobe.
Rakuten, owner of Vissel Kobe, former sponsor of Barça, and one of the main stakeholders in this friendly, has been key to unlocking the situation. Upon arriving in Japan, Mikitani acted as host for the Barça delegation, led by President Joan Laporta. The relationship is perfect, to the point that he wants to reconnect with FC Barcelona after its years of sponsorship.
Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Rakuten wants to join forces with Barça again. The relationship between both parties is excellent and it's a matter that Laporta and Hiroshi Mikitani have discussed in Japan. It's yet to be seen in what capacity, but what is clear is that bringing both brands together is beneficial for all parties. Everything adds up for "fair play" and for returning to economic normality, with the Japanese brand being a top-level signing for the coming years.
Barça: a reference in Japan
FC Barcelona isn't just one of the most influential clubs in Europe; it's also one of the most influential in Asia, where its impact remains enormous. In Japan, Barça has established itself as one of the most beloved teams among fans. Its play style, its history, and the presence of legends like Iniesta or Messi, who are highly recognized in Japan, have turned the club into a football and commercial reference point.
The connection between Barça and Japan isn't new. For years, multinational Rakuten was the club's main sponsor, featuring its name on the jersey from 2017 to 2022. That partnership marked a turning point in Barça's projection in Asia. Although the commercial relationship ended three seasons ago, talks for a possible reactivation of the agreement are underway. According to sources close to the club, Rakuten views a return as a strategic sponsor very positively.
In addition to Rakuten, other major Japanese brands have shown interest in partnering with FC Barcelona, aware of the club's huge appeal in the Asian country. In stadiums, on the streets, and in the media, the Catalan team continues to generate great devotion in Japan, far surpassing other major European clubs.
The board, led by Joan Laporta, is aware of the value of this market and is already working to strengthen commercial ties with Asia. It's not ruled out that Barça will return to Japan soon as part of a new international tour, with the aim of strengthening its presence and exploring new sources of revenue.
In Japan, Barça isn't just a club. It's a global football symbol that keeps growing.