Hideko Watanabe, Japanese Deputy Consul General: "The stadium personifies the development and modernisation of St. Petersburg"

The Deputy General Consul of Japan in St. Petersburg visited Stadium St. Petersburg for the match with RB Leipzig.
I arrived in St. Petersburg in May 2017 and for visited Stadium St. Petersburg for the first time during the Confederations Cup, yesterday's meeting against RB Leipzig was my third game here. I'm very impressed by the size and the beauty of the stadium! At the same time, the stadium embodies the development and modernisation of St. Petersburg. You know that the project of the arena was created by the Japanese architect Kisyo Kurokawa, so I have a special relationship with the stadium! 

Did you enjoy the match? 

Given the result I feel a bit disappointed. At the same time, I'm glad that I managed to see football at this European level, which is almost impossible in Japan. To see 44,000 fans at the stadium at such a late time too must drive the team forward. I'm impressed by the enthusiasm and passion of the St.Petersburg fans!

What can you say to the future visitors to Stadium St. Petersburg? 

I would like everyone to enjoy the majestic architecture of the arena, as well as the incredible combination of the city's historical and modern landscapes. I'm sure you will enjoy the hospitality of the city's citizens. I also want to tell you that this year we are celebrating the year of Japan in Russia, so I am sure we will be able to make some joint events together at the arena.