“I’m nervous…” Former Japanese volleyball player Sarina Koga appears at the lighting ceremony in Osaka » Lmaga.jp

A holiday event will begin on November 7 at Grand Front Osaka (Kita Ward, Osaka City), a commercial facility directly connected to Osaka Station. On the first day of the event, former Japanese women’s volleyball representative Sarina Koga appeared as a guest at the main Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

The Umekita area continues to develop with the opening of Grand Green Osaka on September 6. In this area, which has become even more lively, a gigantic Christmas tree that appears inside the Grand Front Osaka is becoming a permanent fixture. This year, the “Infinity Wish Tree” will feature a 35-foot-long tree with mirrored material surrounding the inside and outside of the tree.

Former Japanese women’s volleyball player Sarina Koga appeared at the lighting ceremony (November 7, Osaka)

Kouga appeared at the lighting ceremony in a sparkling white dress. It was her first experience not only at the lighting ceremony, but also wearing a dress and experiencing the Christmas spirit in a facility like the museum “There were so many people on the third and fourth floors (of the museum). honestly, well… I’m even more nervous because I didn’t expect so many people to see it,” he said with a humble smile.

Furthermore, after announcing his retirement from active duty in July this year, he said: “The three years since the end of the Tokyo Olympics have been difficult and stressful, but I feel I have grown even more.” “I’m happy I was able to retire as a player with that feeling,” he said, looking back on his playing career.

Koga, who currently lives in Kansai with Yushi Nishida, a volleyball player from Osaka Bullteon, said: “We always buy tofu called “Ken-chan”, which is only available in Kansai. Both my husband and I eat it ( lol).He revealed that he is enjoying life in Kansai.

Former Japanese women’s volleyball player Sarina Koga appeared at the lighting ceremony (November 7, Osaka)

The main Christmas tree, “Infinity Wish Tree”, will be located in the “Knowledge Plaza”, on the first floor of the north building of the same structure. The period is until December 25th. The light show runs from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and from 3pm to midnight on weekends and public holidays. Illuminations and photo spots will also be held in the Mekita area.

Interview, text and photos by Shiro Tsuchida