Meeting with Players of the Utah Royals (Women’s) and Real Salt Lake (Men’s) Soccer Teams (April 9, 2026)

On April 9, Consul-General Okajima visited the training facilities of the Utah Royals and Real Salt Lake soccer teams. He had the opportunity to meet with Japanese and Japanese heritage players and staff members.

Currently, four Japanese players are playing for the Utah Royals. On this occasion, we met with Ms. Narumi Miura and Ms. Aria Nagai. In addition, Mr. Sam Junqua, whose mother is originally from Japan, plays for Real Salt Lake.

Guided by General Manager Conner Oniki, a fourth-generation Japanese American, we toured the excellent training facilities of both teams and had a wonderful time conversing with the players and staff. We also had a pleasant conversation with Mr. Matt Hawkins, CEO of Waystar and a representative of the ownership group, who has lived in Japan and is a great admirer of our country.

We wish both teams, as well as the Japanese and Japanese-American players, the very best for a successful season!