🌸🏟️ Yodoko Sakura Stadium: The New Home of Charoensak Wongkorn
A new chapter begins for Charoensak Wongkorn!
The Thai international winger has officially joined Cerezo Osaka, leaving BG Pathum United to chase his dreams in Japan.
At Off The Bench, we’re taking you straight to Osaka to explore Yodoko Sakura Stadium, the home of Cerezo Osaka, and everything you need to know before visiting!
1. The History of Cerezo Osaka
Founded in 1957, the club started as the Yanmar Diesel football team before rebranding to Cerezo Osaka.
🌸 The name "Cerezo" is Spanish for “cherry blossom”, a tribute to Osaka’s iconic flower and the inspiration behind the club’s signature pink kits.
2. Yodoko Sakura Stadium: Cerezo’s Fortress
🏟️ Yodoko Sakura Stadium is a 25,000-seat venue located inside Nagai Park, a major recreational area in Osaka.
The stadium is surrounded by world-class sports facilities, including Yanmar Stadium Nagai, a 50,000-seat venue that has hosted events like the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Nearby, you’ll also find a botanical garden, making it a great pre-match hangout spot.
🚨 First-time visitors, take note! There are two large stadiums next to each other. To find Yodoko Sakura Stadium, look for the smaller stadium with a pink-clad wolf mascot standing at the entrance. 🦊
3. How to Get There 🚆🚖
Reaching Yodoko Sakura Stadium is easy:
- By train: Convenient and affordable.
- By taxi: If traveling in a group, it’s a good option, but be sure to tell the driver "Nagai Park" instead of the stadium name, as some may not recognize Yodoko Sakura Stadium right away.
(Our experience? We told the taxi driver "Yodoko Sakura Stadium," and he looked confused until we showed him a map. Once he saw it, he said, "Oh! Nagai Park!" and drove us straight there.)
4. Tickets & Matchday Tips 🎟️
- Tickets can be booked via the club's website, but be aware:
- The English version may have higher ticket prices than the Japanese version, with limited seat selection.
☀️ Sunlight warning! Even if you choose a covered stand, the sun can be a major issue for afternoon matches. If you pick the wrong side, the glare can affect your view until the second half.
💡 Best seating tip: If possible, choose the main stand on the same side as the team benches for better comfort. However, the best choice will depend on the weather, matchday, and kickoff time.
5. Matchday Atmosphere & Fan Culture
On matchdays, everything turns pink! The atmosphere is electric, and one unique aspect is how families enjoy football together—parents, grandparents, and kids all come to cheer for Cerezo.
💴 J.League jerseys are expensive, but fans buy them every season to support the club financially. It’s part of the culture!
Inside the stadium, the chanting never stops. The mix of songs, drumming, and synchronized movements creates a thrilling experience.
For some fans, football is secondary—they come just to sing, cheer, and jump with fellow supporters, making matchday a celebration of passion and unity.
6. Cerezo Osaka in 2025: A New Era
With Arthur Papas (former Buriram United coach) taking charge, 2025 marks a fresh start for Cerezo. His familiarity with Thai football might give Charoensak Wongkorn an advantage in securing a key role in the squad.
7. Familiar Faces at Cerezo Osaka
For Thai football fans, the most famous name at Cerezo is Shinji Kagawa. Though past his peak, he remains a Japanese football legend. 🌟
Another familiar face? Lucas Fernandes, formerly of Consadole Sapporo and a former teammate of Chanathip Songkrasin, is now at Cerezo—potentially competing for the same position as Charoensak.
8. Get Ready for the 2025 J.League Season!
The new season kicks off on February 14 with a high-stakes Osaka Derby as Gamba Osaka hosts Cerezo Osaka.
🔥 This is one of Japan’s fiercest rivalries, as both teams battle for Osaka’s football supremacy.
Cerezo fans often taunt Gamba supporters, claiming that Gamba isn’t a "real Osaka team" because their stadium is technically in Suita, a suburb outside the city.
Regardless of which team you support, let’s rally behind Charoensak Wongkorn as he embarks on this new adventure in Japan! 🌸🇹🇭