On October 6, 2012, Canon held its “Canon Enjoy J. League Program: Watch a Soccer Match” at the Ibaraki Prefectural Kashima Soccer Stadium, as part of Canon’s social contribution program. This time Canon invited students attending the Kashima Special Aid School and the Mito Special Aid High School and their guardians to participate. A total of 25 invitees took part.

This program, designed to acquaint disabled children with joy of sports through soccer, is a cooperative effort between the J. League soccer organization and its Top Partner, Canon, and has been ongoing since 2003.

For this 15th holding of the program, the Kashima Antlers gave their cooperation to enable the participants to go out on the pitch before the match, visit the stadium museum to learn about the team's history and tour the stadium throughout. In addition, Mr. Kazuya Yamamura, who unfortunately could not play that day because of an injury, held a surprise autograph-signing and hand-shaking session for the program participants. The air was filled with great excitement at this priceless opportunity to interact with an athlete whom the children already rooted for.

The day closed with everyone watching the match between the Kashima Antlers and FC Tokyo. The cheers of support from the children may have reached the ears of the Kashima Antlers, as Kashima won 5-1. A great roar from the stadium arose each time a goal was scored.

Canon employees served as volunteers to expedite the running of the program, manning the reception desk and guiding participants around the stadium; thereby having close exchanges with the children.