The Mercari-sponsored Kashima Antlers match titled “Mercari Special Match: Everything for Victory” took place on April 18, 2026.

Mercari members went with family and friends to Mercari Stadium again this year to support our reigning J1 League champions, the Kashima Antlers!

Today, we’re sharing a recap of how the event went and the excitement felt throughout the stadium on the day of the match.

Entering the 2026 season as last season’s J1 League champions 

In the 2025 season, the Kashima Antlers won the Meiji Yasuda J1 League and were crowned league champions.

Kashima is also facing a new stage in the Meiji Yasuda J1 100 Year Vision League, held during the league’s transition period, as the defending champions. Like true champions, the team remained undefeated in the 10 matches from the league’s opening to the sponsored match* and is currently leading the East Region.

*Excluding penalty shootout matches

On this day, the Antlers’ opponent was their archrival, the Urawa Reds. Mercari members gathered to cheer the team on in this crucial 11th match. 

Heading to Mercari Stadium together!

On the day of the match, we boarded a bus labeled “For Mercari Staff Antlers Tour!” and set off for Kashima.

Some employees brought their families, too, making the ride feel like a field trip. Many small children were on board, and the excitement was already palpable before we even arrived.

Recap of the day’s events

Arriving at Mercari Stadium

When we got off the bus, we could already see Mercari Stadium standing proudly under the clear sky.

The area was lined with bright red banners featuring the Mercari and Kashima Antlers logos.

As we approached the stadium, we saw more and more fans in red uniforms, heightening our excitement for the match.

Around the stadium

In the area around the stadium, there was a booth called “Antlers Fan Merch on Mercari.”

Large digital displays showed a variety of merchandise for fans, like uniforms and towels, available for purchase on Mercari. Fans were glued to the screens.

There was also a photo backdrop commemorating the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League championship, where fans could be seen taking photos with the Antlers mascot Shikao.

Next, a limited number of “All for Victory” bright red reusable shopping bags were readied as exclusive swag for attendees. Over 1,000 people lined up waiting for the giveaway to start, and once it did, the bags were quickly claimed. The popularity of the bags just goes to show how passionate Antlers fans are toward the team.

Featuring the Kashima Antlers emblem and the Mercari logo, the bag was a sturdy, practical size for everyday use. Throughout the day, we saw people with this bag all over the venue, creating an even stronger sense of unity among fans.

いざスタジアムの中へ！

Upon entering the stadium, we saw young fans dressed in red uniforms, eagerly awaiting the players’ entrance wearing the number 12 jersey and proudly displaying the Mercari logo on their chests.

The ceremonial kickoff signaling the start of the match

Before the kickoff, Mercari members entered the field as flag bearers.

Following them were the player escorts, looking proud amidst the thunderous cheers as they nervously held hands with the players. 

Then, it was onto the ceremonial kickoff.

Vice President and CEO of Marketplace @sakoshun, dressed up in a Kashima Antlers uniform, entered the field to loud cheers from fans.

With the passionate, red-clad stands behind him, he confidently kicked the ball in from the center of the field.

Intense excitement building as the game went on

Finally, it was time for kickoff!

The stadium erupted in cheers, and the enthusiasm of the fans’ chants rose even higher.

With 28,777 attendees, the stadium was simply breathtaking. The fans’ chants resonated throughout the stands, showing no signs of stopping.

As the Kashima Antlers and the Urawa Reds clashed fiercely, the first half ended with a score of 0-0.

In the second half, the intense back-and-forth continued, and everyone held their breath as the end of the match approached. Then came the 81st minute. With a brilliant shot from Antlers player Kimito Nono, the match finally reached a conclusion.

1-0 victory over Urawa!

After a fierce battle, the Kashima Antlers triumphed over the Urawa Reds with a score of 1-0! It was a win that demonstrated the poise of champions. As the final whistle blew, the loudest cheers of the day echoed throughout the stadium.

Even after the match finished, Mercari members were ecstatic. We gathered around the return bus to take a commemorative photo, holding up our Antlers towels! Everyone boarded the bus with huge smiles, immersed in the afterglow of victory. 

The Kashima Antlers’ mission on the field is “All for Victory,” and Mercari shares this same sentiment in developing our products.

Why do we take the time to go to Mercari Stadium? It’s moments like experiencing the cheers of 28,777 people united, coworkers from different teams embracing each other in joy over a goal, and someone on the return bus saying “I can’t wait to come back next year.” We go to Mercari Stadium to meet in person, get excited, and experience the emotions that can only be felt live at the stadium. 

We look forward to sharing this excitement with our Kashima Antlers family again next season!

Photography : Tomohiro Takeshita