The Canaries sign unprecedented partnership with manga Aoashi
The Limburg club Saint-Trond, nicknamed the Canaries, officially announced on Monday, via its Japanese website, a groundbreaking collaboration with the football manga Aoashi, one of the most popular in Japan, which already has more than 26 million copies in circulation.
A manga focused on talent development
Aoashi tells the story of Ashito Aoi, a young footballer who is trying to break through via a training centre. The manga puts talent development at the heart of its narrative, reflecting the historic role of Saint‑Trond as a springboard for Japanese players to Europe.
Illustrations dedicated to Saint‑Trond players
Author Yugo Kobayashi specially created for this project a drawing of Ashito Aoi wearing the Saint‑Trond jersey. This illustration highlights the visual connection between the character and the Limburg club.
Kobayashi also produced illustrations of three Saint‑Trond players: Shogo Taniguchi, Nelson Ishiwatari and Arbnor Muja. These images underline the role of the Japanese in the club's history.
The full illustration will be revealed later. Fans are eagerly awaiting this unveiling.
An exclusive interview between Kobayashi and Saint‑Trond's CEO, Takayuki Tateishi, is planned. It will allow a deeper look at the goals of the collaboration.
The club is simultaneously preparing a campaign that will give supporters the chance to win exclusive products from this partnership. This initiative aims to strengthen fan engagement.
“I wonder why this club, which has become a springboard for Japanese players in Europe, does not receive more recognition,” Kobayashi said on Saint‑Trond's Japanese website. He does not hold back on praise for the Limburg club.
“What this club has achieved over the past ten years is truly fantastic for the history of Japanese football,” the mangaka emphasizes. According to him, Saint‑Trond's role in Japanese football is far more significant than many realize.
Kobayashi hopes his series will encourage more Japanese people to discover Saint‑Trond. The project fits into the Canaries' strategy to increase their visibility in Japan.