The Ivy League has partnered with Japan's National Football Association (NFA) to compete in the an all-star game in Tokyo. An Ivy League team, featuring student-athletes from all eight institutions, will square off against a Japanese team starring players from the X League. The event is set for Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11 p.m. EST (Sunday, Jan. 22, 1 p.m. JST) at the National Stadium, newly built for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. The Ivy League delegation will participate in numerous cultural and educational events during its week-long stay in Japan. The group is joined by two professors from Ivy League institutions to further the educational experience of the travel party.
 

Updates from the trip will be posted on this webpage and on the Ivy League's Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages. 

FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE

The Ivy League completed its first day of practice on Monday, Jan. 16. The group is being led by Columbia head coach Al Bagnoli and the Lions coaching staff. The full Ivy League roster can be viewed HERE. 

TOUR OF KAMAKURA

Following its first practice on Monday, the Ivy League team toured the historic city of Kamakura. The coastal city was Japan's political center during the Kamakura Period from 1185-1333. The city is also home to Kotoku-in, a Buddhist Temple renowned for The Great Buddha of Kamakura which is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha erected in 1252. 

SECOND DAY OF PRACTICE

The team completed its second day of practice on Tuesday, Jan. 17. 

US EMBASSY VISIT

The team visited the United States Embassy located in Tokyo and were provided the opportunity to meet with foreign affairs officials. 

PRESS CONFERENCE 

The Ivy League's captains Jake Guidone (Dartmouth) and Scott Valentas (Columbia), as well as head coach Al Bagnoli addressed the media at a press conference on Tuesday. Guidone, an offensive lineman, twice earned All-Ivy honors for the Big Green and Valentas was a three-time All-Ivy honoree at linebacker with the Lions. 

THIRD DAY OF PRACTICE

Preparations for the game continued on Wednesday, Jan. 18, as anticipation continues to build. 

LEARNING ABOUT MAGLEV TRAINS

After its practice on Wednesday, the Ivy League football delegation in Tokyo was given at tour of the Central Japan Railway Company – magnetic levitation system capable of traveling at speeds up to 375 miles per hour.  

VISITING TACHIBANA HIGH SCHOOL

On Thursday, Jan. 19, the group visited Tachibana High School – leading a football clinic and engaging in conversations with the Japanese students.