Visits from Vissel Kobe and Kobelco Kobe Steelers
Kobe University Hospital was honored to welcome players and staff from Vissel Kobe and the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in June 2026 for special visits to children receiving care in our pediatric wards.
On June 8, players from Vissel Kobe visited the hospital and met with children and their families. During a gathering held in the hospital hall, the players shared warm messages of encouragement and spent time interacting with young patients. The children, in turn, presented bouquets of flowers to express their gratitude and appreciation.
On June 10, members of the Kobelco Kobe Steelers visited the pediatric playroom and wards, where they participated in recreational activities, signed autographs, and met patients at their bedside. Their kindness and enthusiasm brought smiles to many children and provided a welcome break from daily treatment and hospitalization.
Vissel Kobe is one of Japan’s leading professional football clubs and competes in the J1 League, the highest level of professional football in Japan. The Kobelco Kobe Steelers are one of the country’s most prestigious professional rugby teams, competing in Japan Rugby League One, Japan’s premier rugby competition. Both teams are proud representatives of the city of Kobe and are recognized not only for their sporting excellence but also for their strong commitment to community engagement.
The visits offered encouragement and inspiration to children undergoing treatment and their families, demonstrating the positive impact that sport and community support can have on emotional well-being during medical care.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to both organizations for taking the time to visit our young patients. Their kindness, encouragement, and generosity created meaningful and memorable experiences for the children and their families, bringing smiles, hope, and motivation during their hospital stay.
Kobe University Hospital values its close connections with the local community and remains committed to creating a supportive environment where patients and families can receive care with confidence, comfort, and hope.