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Return to Japan: BVB Evonik Japan Tour with a Special Reunion
TL;DR
Borussia Dortmund will tour Japan in July 2026, featuring a reunion with former player Shinji Kagawa. The first match is against Cerezo Osaka on July 29, followed by a game against FC Tokyo on August 1.
Key points
- Borussia Dortmund will tour Japan in July 2026.
- Shinji Kagawa will reunite with the team during the tour.
- The first match is against Cerezo Osaka at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium.
Mentioned in this story
Yanmar Hanasaka StadiumJapan National Stadium
Borussia DortmundShinji KagawaCerezo OsakaFC Tokyo
Return to Japan: BVB Evonik Japan Tour with a Special Reunion
The first game of the trip will feature a reunion with BVB legend Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese midfielder wore the Black and Yellow jersey from 2010 to 2012 and again from 2014 to 2019, and he is still under contract with Cerezo Osaka. The match will take place on July 29, 2026, at 19:00 (local time) at the Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium in Osaka. Since early 2026, Cerezo Osaka has been a partner club of BVB, with the collaboration focusing on the development of young talents.
From Osaka, the team will head east to the metropolis of Tokyo. There, BVB will face FC Tokyo on August 1 (19:00 local time) at the Japan National Stadium. FC Tokyo currently holds second place in the J1 100 Year Vision League (East Region). During the trip, which is organized in coordination with the DFL, BVB will meet captain Sei Muroya, Keita Endo, and Kein Sato. All three professionals have previously played in Germany. FC Tokyo is also among the clubs with the highest average attendance in the league.
Connection and Anticipation
The BVB Evonik Japan Tour 2026 is more than just sporting preparation for Borussia Dortmund. Carsten Cramer, spokesperson for the Borussia Dortmund management, explains: “After our fantastic experiences in Tokyo and Osaka, we feel closely connected to the Japanese fans, partners, and the country’s culture, and we are looking forward with great anticipation to visiting this fascinating country again. The reunion with Shinji Kagawa and the return to the metropolis of Tokyo are highlights for all of us. We thank our partners and the Japanese fans for their loyalty and look forward to connecting with old and new friends and to unforgettable experiences.”
A special thanks goes to our tour partners Evonik, Puma, Vodafone, ROWE, Topps, and SCO Group, who make this trip possible and, through their commitment, contribute significantly to the international BVB family.
Further information about the tour, ticket sales, and accompanying events will follow in mid-May.
Q&A
When is Borussia Dortmund's first match in Japan during the 2026 tour?
The first match will take place on July 29, 2026, against Cerezo Osaka.
Who is Shinji Kagawa and why is he significant for the BVB Japan Tour?
Shinji Kagawa is a BVB legend who played for the club from 2010 to 2012 and again from 2014 to 2019, and he will be part of the reunion during the tour.
What teams will Borussia Dortmund face during their Japan tour?
Borussia Dortmund will face Cerezo Osaka on July 29 and FC Tokyo on August 1, 2026.
