Recent KOBE AWAY PRESS
Editor Nile
This article is participating in Vissel Kobe Various Things 2021 Advent Calendar 2021.
Thank you for the invitation, Negigirai® Road to Asia @vissel_lovekobe. I’m sorry it’s late.
For those meeting us for the first time, and for those who haven’t seen us in a while, once again, this is KOBE AWAY PRESS.
What is KOBE AWAY PRESS
We have a dream of filling the away game goal ends with crimson red. We want to deliver the joy of away game watching to as many Vissel Kobe supporters as possible. KOBE AWAY PRESS is an information paper born from such thoughts. KOBE AWAY PRESS is voluntarily produced by Kanto supporters. We publish several times a year, coinciding with away games held in the Kanto area. We deliver information that makes match watching a little more enjoyable, such as match highlights, past matchups, stadium gourmet information, and more.
“Our original style is to distribute free papers at stadiums before the start of matches held in the Kanto area.”
Recent KOBE AWAY PRESS
However… to be honest, due to the global pandemic over the past two years, we haven’t been able to carry out activities as we would like.
In 2020, after distributing #64 at the FUJI XEROX SUPER CUP in February, matches became no-spectator or had no away seating, so we had to abandon the stadium distribution format.
In 2021, while restrictions gradually eased, away seating itself was still unstable, and from an infection prevention perspective, the hurdle for stadium distribution remained high. However, the editorial team had been unable to publish for almost a year since #64, so we wanted to deliver the paper in some form.
So in 2021, we made several new challenges.
Change in Distribution Method
First, the distribution method. It was online distribution in PDF format. We produced the paper as usual and distributed it through this site and Facebook. In that form, we delivered #65, #66, and #67 three times.
We had already made PDF files downloadable online in the form of back numbers, but not printing was something we hadn’t done since the special edition after the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Site Renewal
To distribute papers online, we renewed the old site. We also changed the design to a simpler one. We also changed the system from WordPress to HUGO.
Utilizing Net Print
We made it possible to print papers at convenience stores using the Net Print service. By registering manuscripts in advance and sharing print reservation numbers, this service that allows the same paper to be printed anywhere in Japan was a good service for us who wanted to stick to “paper.”
KOBE AWAY PRESS 2022
Online has the advantage of overcoming geographical constraints. Especially since there’s ACL next year, I want to make maximum use of online advantages. However, by trying online distribution, I think we’ve reconfirmed how happy and enjoyable “the joy of the stadium” and “being able to hand over papers directly” really are. I really want to meet Kobe supporters at the stadium. I really think so.
Next year, we plan to return to our original style. Since we couldn’t do anything for the 10th anniversary, I’m also thinking of planning something for next year. I’m also thinking of doing something with other J-League free paper colleagues. (We might be able to announce something soon)
Well then, everyone. Let’s meet at the stadium in 2022!! Happy Holidays!! We Are KOBE!!