Brighton Announce Two Pre-Season Fixture in Japan

Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that two pre-season fixtures will be played in Japan. 

Brighton are heading to Japan for the first time with their first friendly coming against eight-time domestic champions, Kashima Antlers who are managed by Serbian – Ranko Popvic.

That game will be played at 7pm local time (11am BST UK Time) on Wednesday 24 July at National Stadium, Tokyo.

The Seagulls will then face Tokyo Verdy at the National Stadium on Sunday 28 July at 6:30pm local time (10:30am BST), with the Japanese club last season having earned promotion back to J.1 League last season under Jofuku Hiroshi

Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Paul Barber issued the following statement upon announcement of the “historic” pre-season trip to Japan.

“We are delighted our men’s first team are going to be in Japan for this inaugural visit and one which will be another historic moment for the club.

“We will be in the final part of our pre-season preparations, ahead of the new Premier League season, and are certain this tour will capture the imagination of our supporters.

“It has been amazing to see how interest in our club has grown in Japan and we now have a huge fan base there, and we are very excited in anticipation of our first-ever visit there.”

Tickets for both fixtures will be available for Brighton supporters with details to be confirmed soon, with season-ticket holders, 1901 Club members and My Albion+ members able to purchase tickets from Sunday 26 May.

This pre-season tour also comes after an increase in Japanese supporters following Brighton’s acquisition of Japan international, Kaoru Mitoma who has scored 13 goals in 67 appearances across all competitions, but has missed the second half of this season with a back injury.