Vissel Kobe and Fagiano Okayama officialize ‘Kawateetsu Derby’

J.League clubs Vissel Kobe and Fagiano Okayama have officially designated their matches as the ‘Kawateetsu Derby’. The name honors their shared origins, as both clubs trace their roots back to the Kawasaki Steel (now JFE Steel) Mizushima Steel Works soccer team.

Vissel Kobe was formed in 1995 using the Mizushima soccer team as its foundation, while Fagiano Okayama evolved from the RFK (River Free Kickers), a group established by former members of the same Mizushima team. This historical connection has led fans to refer to their matchups as the ‘Kawateetsu Derby’ for years.

The clubs also adopted the subtitle ‘The World’s Most Heartful Brotherly Quarrel’. This phrase originated from commentator Kazuma Emoto during a 2025 broadcast. The clubs decided to formalize the term to honor the storytelling aspect of the match and the connection between the two ‘brother clubs’. To commemorate the announcement, Fagiano Okayama plans to distribute 14,000 cheering sticks during their match against Kobe on October 18.