Childhood Friendship at TOKYU Garden City

Phong and Lập’s friendship began when they both joined Kawasaki Frontale Football School. During one practice session, right after Lập had joined the class, Phong was the one who started the conversation. From those first introductions, the two boys gradually became closer with every training session. 

When they first met on the football field, the things that caught their attention were surprisingly simple. 

“I met him at football practice. When we were competing for the ball, I thought he was really good at football” Lập recalled. 

For Phong, his first impression was shaped not only by Lập’s skills on the field but also by his personality. 

“At that time, I thought Lập was cheerful, friendly, and really good at football. I was sure that we would become close friends and great teammates.”  

Although they became close friends, Phong and Lập were often placed on opposing teams during training sessions. On the field, they were opponents, both determined to win every challenge and give their best. Yet as soon as the whistle blew, the two boys would laugh, chat and continue playing together. 

Beyond the football field, Phong and Lập often make time after school to play and spend time together. 

“We often go out to eat together” said Lập. 

“When we’re not playing football, we hang out together. We also talk about becoming football players in the future, even though we might end up being opponents” Phong shared. 

Perhaps it is these innocent conversations that have made the boys’ friendship grow even stronger. 

Whenever they have time on weekends, the two friends also enjoy participating in different activities together. Phong shared that he especially enjoys joining programs organized by Kawasaki Frontale Football School, such as tree-planting activities and football matches. Meanwhile, Lập said that he loves taking part in the weekend activities and events held in his neighborhood. 

When asked about their favorite places around the neighborhood, each boy had a different answer, though both were closely connected to the familiar spaces of childhood. 

“I like SORA gardens area because it has a football field and a shopping center” said Lập. 

“I like Kawasaki Frontale Football School area and the park” Phong replied. 

If a new friend were to move into the neighborhood, both boys would happily become “little tour guides,” showing them all their favorite places. 

At a time when children can spend hours in front of smartphones and tablets, Phong and Lập’s answer might come as a surprise. 

“I prefer playing with my friends to playing on my phone.” 

For the two boys, the joy of friendship comes from simple things: chatting, running around on the football field and discovering new experiences together. 

“Playing with friends is more fun because there are always new things to do.” said Phong. 

“It’s fun because we can talk and play football together” Lập added. 

When comparing video games to spending time with friends, Lập gave a particularly amusing answer: 

"Video games aren’t real but playing with friends is, and it’s much more fun." 

For Phong and Lập, what makes childhood special is not modern entertainment or digital devices, but afternoons spent on the football field and the laughter shared with friends. 

When talking about their favorite memories, both Phong and Lập immediately thought of moments connected to football. 

“Our happiest memories are winning football matches together and hanging out together.” said Lập. 

“One of my favorite memories was going to Gò Đậu Stadium to watch the match between Becamex Hồ Chí Minh and Hà Nội FC together.” Phong recalled. 

After countless training sessions and football matches together, Phong and Lập have come to understand each other even better. To Lập, Phong is not only a classmate but also a kind and caring friend. 

“My friend is very kind, adorable and always cares about me.” 

Besides sharing the joys of childhood, the two boys also share a love for football and dreams of their own. Phong hopes that his friend will continue chasing his dream on the pitch. 

“I hope Lập will achieve his dream of becoming a great football player.” 

A friendship often begins with a single encounter: on a football field, in a park, or at a weekend community event. When children are given opportunities to meet, play together and share common interests, meaningful friendships naturally take shape. 

At TOKYU Garden City, open spaces, sports classes, and community activities for families and children are helping create those opportunities every day.