Hatters Worldwide - 1 Akito Aoki ( Japan )

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 image-andrewmachinphotography 

 

 

Hatters Worldwide – 1 Akito Aoki (Japan)

( most of images in this article kindly provided by https://twitter.com/MachinSports )

It has been the source of constant satisfaction to be able, via this blog, to provide reports and images from County`s games home and away over the years.

Particular satisfaction is derived from knowing that the reports, and other articles are appreciated by so many out there including the enormous number of exiled County supporters all over the globe.

With the blog averaging between 2500 and 3000 pv`s per week,and heading towards the million fast before Covid struck ( now sitting at 802513) it has been a massive disappointment , to colleague Andrew Machin and hedgegrower, to  be unable to continue reporting- we hope this will change soon !

However…something shines brightly throughout all the pandemic awfulness-  the strength of the County family worldwide. Log on to Twitter or any County message board and exiles are there in force keeping the dream alive.

This series of articles is hedgegrower`s way of acknowledging those individuals who, on the international stage, help to make Stockport County more than just a football club.

We start in Japan where County supporter Akito Aoki is fast becoming a County Legend!

 

Akito at EP- image AndrewMachin Photography

 

Akito hails from Shinagawa ( special ward in Tokyo), and is well known and loved by County supporters after his visit earlier in the year firmly cemented ties between Akito and Stockport County fans, following on line contacts with various County supporters.

 

 Shinagwa-image theculturetrip.com

 

 

 

 

(Shinagawa  ,  home to the Tennozu Isle, a high-rise complex with a boardwalk, pub, shops, and restaurants. Elegant Sengaku-ji Temple the burial site for 47 renowned samurai. Colourful bridges span the tree-lined Meguro River, while Shinagawa Park has picnic spots and an aquarium. High-tech sports facilities built for the 2020 Olympics include climbing walls, cycle tracks, and beach volleyball courts.)

Welcome indeed !-image andrewmachinphotography


 

 

 

 

His visit to Stockport was a stand-out highlight of a desultory 2020 and County fans took him to their hearts highlighted by his appearance on the pitch at Edgeley Park to receive the accolade from the Club and its fans, completing a great day by doing the half time draw for us!

 

 

  and the winner is....... image andrewmachinphotography

 

 

 

 

During his visit Akito took time out to visit Help the Hatters and they were delighted to see him and make the acquaintance of such a fine gentleman- a great ambassador for his country! The Stockport County Supporters Cooperative were also pleased later to welcome Akito into membership  along with fellow countryman  Taroh Toyoura, further cementing the bond.

Since returning home, Akito has been a live wire communicator , via Twitter and Facebook, with the County fan base, and despite the obvious difficulties in doing so, has been a regular watcher of County`s games so far this season via the various streaming systems !

There`s more….he …and the growing County following in Japan can now be reached here:-

https://twitter.com/HattersNippon

 

And….we can do no more than  give you the bio from the site…

Hatters Nippon, an unofficial supporters club in Stockport County, UK 5th Division. We plan to hold various events in the future while communicating the charm of the club and town. Unofficial Stockport County supporters club in Japan branch.


……well said Akito , good fortune to Hatters Nippon !

 

Hopefully you can see what a great addition to the County Family Akito is, and when conditions allow it, we look forward to welcoming him back to Stockport again!

 

 

Now exiles, I know you are out there, get in touch and let me tell the rest of the County Family about you. Or…if you are not an exile but know of someone who is and we might usefully highlight, please contact me.

Thank you .

Keep well…Stay Safe !

 

hedgegrower

 



 

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