Interview with Leeds United Fan Group — Japan Whites

Can you tell me the story of how you personally became a Leeds United fan — and why not, say, Manchester United or Liverpool?

I’ve been supporting Leeds for about 25 years. What drew me to Leeds was watching them play in the Champions League in the early 2000s. I was captivated by their dynamic football and the electric atmosphere at Elland Road. When I first saw a Premier League match, I was instantly drawn to the unique atmosphere of English football — the applause, the roar when a goal is scored. But among them all, Elland Road stood out to me the most.

Was there a particular moment, player, or match that sealed it for you? Or was it more of a slow burn?

It was more of a gradual process, but if I had to name one memorable match, it would be the Champions League tie against Deportivo La Coruña. That match left a lasting impression on me.

How did Japan Whites come into being? Was it a WhatsApp group that got out of hand, or something more organised?

Japan Whites began with a few fans tweeting about Leeds matches on X (formerly Twitter). At first, it was just the idea of having a watch party together, but gradually it became more organized. The group formally started in March 2023 after about a year of preparation.

What’s it like being a Leeds fan in a country where the games often kick off at 3am? Does it mess with your sleep? Your work? Your relationships?

The sleep part is really tough. If I want to watch an important match live, I have to get up in the middle of the night. I try to manage it so it doesn’t affect my work or other responsibilities, but it’s definitely challenging.

Do you ever find yourself shouting at the screen at 4 in the morning, trying not to wake the neighbours?

Absolutely — especially when we score a goal! Last season, we had quite a few late winners. In those moments, X (Twitter) becomes our outlet for all the shouting we can’t do out loud.

Do you feel connected to Elland Road — or is it more of an idea, a myth you’ve built in your head?

That’s a tough question. I can’t speak for other Japanese fans, but personally, I feel that Elland Road’s atmosphere is a vital part of enjoying the matches. The away fans are also incredible. It’s the overall energy the Leeds faithful create that makes the experience so powerful — in that sense, perhaps it’s a kind of myth, but a beautiful one.

What does ‘Marching On Together’ mean when you’re 6,000 miles away?

For us, it’s the defining song of Leeds United. And when we sing it together as Japan Whites, it gives us a powerful sense of unity and shared passion. It’s very special.

Is there anything particularly Japanese about the way you support Leeds — or is fandom just fandom, wherever you are?

I’m not sure if this is uniquely Japanese, but after every watch party, we all thank the bar manager together at the end of the event. In Japan, we have a saying: “begin and end with respect” — and we take that seriously. It’s a tradition we cherish.

Do people around you — colleagues, friends — understand your obsession with a football club in Yorkshire? Or do you get odd looks?

Yes, most people around me understand. Of course, some have never heard of the club — we spent a long time in the Championship — so I do get asked, “Why Leeds?” quite often.

Do you think Leeds United knows you exist? I mean that sincerely — does the club reach out or make an effort to connect with supporters overseas?

We are very grateful, but yes — we believe the club does know us. In March, Ken from the Advisory Board visited us and spent time getting to know our group. He understood the atmosphere we’d built and even shared that directly with Angus Kinnear and others at the club (though Angus is no longer there). Ken even arranged for us to receive a signed Tanaka shirt from the club. That meant a lot.

Have you noticed more people in Japan taking an interest in Leeds since they came back to the Premier League? Or is it still very niche?

Tanaka’s presence made a huge difference. Thanks to him, the name “Leeds United” became much more well-known in Japan. That said, compared to the big clubs, we’re still relatively small in presence — clubs like Brighton, with Mitoma, are very popular here too.

Would you turn up if Leeds did a pre-season tour in Tokyo? And how big would that be, really?

Absolutely — we’d love to attend. If Leeds ever played in Japan, it would be like a dream come true.

How do you guys stay in touch — do you meet in person, or is it mostly online messages at weird hours and shared memes of Luke Ayling?

The board members of Japan Whites keep in touch via X DMs, and we also meet in person regularly.

Do you remember the first time you met another Leeds fan in Japan? Was it a strange feeling, like finding a long-lost relative?

It was unforgettable. That was in 2023. Until then, I had felt like I was supporting Leeds alone for 23 years. Meeting others was like finding long-lost classmates — warm, nostalgic, and very real.

Have you ever had a moment as Japan Whites — a night, a win, a group celebration — that you’d describe as magic?

The recent match against Plymouth was unforgettable. Around 50 of us gathered, and it was a truly special, magical night.

What’s the mood like in Japan Whites about this season — are you hopeful, anxious, a bit traumatised from last year?

Honestly, we’re expecting a tough season in the Premier League. It’s going to be challenging, but we’re committed to supporting the team through it all.

Who’s the one player in the current team that gets people talking in your group? Anyone who divides opinion?

Tanaka definitely gets the most excitement. As for someone who divides opinion — probably Bamford. Especially when it comes to penalties…

Ao Tanaka has been linked with Leeds in the past. Would a signing like him feel significant to you — culturally or emotionally?

Personally, I’m fine with any nationality as long as they help the team get stronger. But for many Japanese fans, seeing a player like Tanaka join Leeds would be a huge boost — culturally and emotionally.

If Leeds were to sign a Japanese player, what would that mean for the supporters club? Would it change anything?

It would definitely bring more energy. Having another Japanese player we could support would be exciting. But we also know from past experiences, like with Ideguchi, that success isn’t guaranteed — so we’d be rooting for them to thrive.

If someone in Japan asked you, ‘Why Leeds?’, what would you say? Not why football. Why Leeds?

To me, Leeds United is like a lifelong partner. A vital presence in my life. Anyone can support a strong team when they’re winning, but when things go wrong, some people walk away. I didn’t want to be that kind of fan. Even during the League One days, I went to Elland Road. I chose this club, and I’ve never regretted it.

What would you want fans in Yorkshire to know about Japan Whites — or just about what it’s like loving Leeds from the other side of the world?

First and foremost, I believe Leeds United is defined by Elland Road. The atmosphere there is unmatched in England. It’s because the fans in Yorkshire go there week after week that we can enjoy such incredible matches from afar. We deeply appreciate your dedication — something we can’t do ourselves.

How important is Tanaka to you as a Japanese Leeds fan?

That’s a very hard question. Without a doubt, he’s incredibly important. I can’t put it into simple words. Considering what happened with Ideguchi in the past, Tanaka’s success is something we’re both thrilled and relieved by. I think many fans had high expectations, and he’s lived up to — and maybe exceeded — them. His success has also helped bring more attention to us as a group. We’re just grateful.

Special thank you to じお and the Japan Whites 🇯🇵⚪️