The Red Diamonds

Beyond the neon maze that is Tokyo, Saitama’s soul beats red and gold. 

Located just along the outskirts of the Tokyo area, the Saitama region isn’t known for its gleam and glamour but beneath its surface pulses a different kind of energy. An energy fueled by chants, drums, and unwavering devotion – the heartbeat of the Urawa Red Diamonds. 

Urawa Reds aren’t just a fútbol club; they’re the embodiment of Saitama’s spirit—a spirit of community, resilience, and a fierce, burning passion for Our Beautiful Game. Here, fans aren’t just spectators, they’re the Red Army, aptly named for when their team goes into battle, so do they. Turning the Saitama Stadium into a colosseum among a backdrop of roars and the beating of the drums.

But beyond the big moments, Urawa Reds represent the everyday heartbeat of Japanese fútbol. It’s the grandparents teaching their grandkids the club’s anthem, the shared joy of a last-minute goal erupting through generations, and the unwavering belief that bleeds red and gold even during crushing defeats. 

This isn’t a club. It’s a legacy etched in trophies – the first J.League champions, the Asian Champions League finalists, and league-cup double winners, and yet, their lasting impact on the wider stage of Asian fútbol is that unwavering support between fans, community and club. Remember the epic comeback against Yokohama F. Marinos in 2006, tattooed in every Reds fan’s heart? Or the electrifying atmosphere in the 2007 Asian Champions League final? Testament to what makes them such a unique and special institution in Japanese fútbol. 

So, when you think of Japanese fútbol, picture not just the elegant footwork, but the raw, unadulterated passion of Saitama. Picture the Red Wave crashing over the stands, the drums beating a rhythm of unity, and the collective roar that shakes the very foundations of the Stadium.

The Red Diamonds | Issue 3, October 2024

Words:  Ning Choi

Photography: Shunichiro Inoue