21 Feb 2005(Mon)

TOKYO (February 19): Hey, what's going on here?

I thought England supporters loved travelling to away games, but you Japanese must be...well, crazy!

And here's why.

On Thursday afternoon I called the travel agency H.I.S. (sports event section) to try and book a place on the trip to Tehran for Japan's World Cup qualifier against Iran on March 25th.

You know the one...the "three-day, no-night" tour, because there is no hotel, just a seat on the plane.

Well, all the H.I.S. seats were fully booked, and there was a long waiting list.

"But your leaflet says the closing date for applications is not until March 10," I pleaded. "Surely I am in good time to book a seat."

The agent explained that H.I.S. was just one of four travel companies operating the trip. All four had around 80 seats, making 320 places in all.

Very kindly he gave me the telephone numbers of the other three.

I called one of them, Nishitetsu, who also arrange special packages for the Japanese media.

Once again, though, all their places were booked, and there were many on the waiting list.

"Do you think it's worth me calling the other two agencies?" I asked, putting on my saddest voice, hoping for a lucky break.

"I'm sorry. I think the situation will be the same," she replied, very sympathetically.

Oh well, at least I can save some money, and watch the Iran-Japan match from the comfort of my own living room, or maybe in a bar. And then I can go to the Nabisco Cup the next day.

I must admit, though, I was really looking forward to it.

The cost, 129,000 yen, is not bad at all.

It leaves Haneda Airport at 1.30 in the morning of March 25th (basically Thursday night), and arrives in Tehran at 9 o'clock in the morning of Friday, March 25th (all times are local).

Then there's a spot of sightseeing before going to the Azadi Stadium for the 6.05 pm kick-off.

I have never been to Iran, and wanted to witness the atmosphere inside the 100,000-plus capacity stadium for what will be a key game in Group B.

But, it seems, so did many Japanese fans, despite the tiring trip, which heads back to Japan at 2 in the morning, after the match, and arrives home at 9.30 in the evening Saturday.

I envy those of you with a booking, and wish I'd been more prepared. After all, I have lived in Japan for eight years now, and should have known better!

With so many fans on the wait list, can't the agents charter a second plane?

Please!

ends