Japanese Staff Draws Warm Welcome for Thai Rugby Team
Japanese staff welcomed Thailand's rugby sevens team with a culturally detailed whiteboard drawing featuring Buddha figures, elephants, and Thai symbols ahead of their 2026 Asian Games preparation. The gesture boosted team morale before the
A touching moment has brought smiles to Thailand's rugby sevens athletes after Japanese staff members showed their hospitality by drawing a detailed welcome image on a whiteboard inside the team's changing room. The artwork was created before the team's training session to prepare for the seven-a-side rugby competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, scheduled for October 1-3.
The drawing is filled with details reflecting Thai identity, including cartoon Buddha figures, lotus flowers, tuk-tuks, and elephants—all symbols widely associated with Thailand. The Japanese staff also included the Thai flag, the word "THAILAND", encouragement in English ("Fight, fight"), and a sweet greeting in Thai ("Sawasdee")—demonstrating their thoughtful welcome to the Thai athletes.
Lieutenant Commander Thanyawit Krueasindhon, coach of Thailand's men's rugby sevens team, said these small touches deeply pleased the athletes. Beyond serving as a warm host greeting, he noted, the artwork reflects friendship among competitors and cultural respect between nations. "Though it is just a whiteboard drawing, it carries great meaning and encouragement for our team," he said. "It is one more moving story that happens off the field and boosts our morale before a crucial competition."
The rugby sevens competition at the 2026 Asian Games will be held October 1-3, 2026 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan.
