Japanese ice skater Miho Takagi expressed her tremendous gratitude for the overwhelming support from an enthusiastic fanclub based in the Netherlands. The news broke after Takagi's recent participation in a skating competition where she was met with encouraging cheers from the Dutch supporters. This kind of unique, cross-border support emphasizes the power of sports in connecting individuals globally.
In Japan, support for athletes, particularly figure skaters, is a national pride and a form of public diplomacy. The interest expands beyond the national borders, tying different nations together. Japanese sportsmanship and respect for international fans are deeply rooted in the country's culture, making this harmonious interaction a significant topic.
In the US or EU, the admiration for foreign athletes also exists, but perhaps the show of support is not as organized. Fans usually cheer for their national teams or athletes. Yet, there are instances where exceptional talent or personality sparks a global following, similar to Miho's case.