Nagano is on Fire! The Remarkable Rise of AC Nagano Parceiro and the Comeback of Hisayoshi Nagano – A Story of Men Who Love Their Hometown

Have you noticed the buzz around Nagano City lately? Over the past few weeks, as you walk through the streets, you’ll hear snippets of conversation everywhere: “How did the match go today?” Of course, the centre of attention is the local team, AC Nagano Parceiro. They’re on an incredible run this season, even taking on the big guns. As someone who’s lived here for years, seeing the faces of the supporters light up like the spring sun over the Zenkoji Plain is just so heartening.

The atmosphere at last weekend’s home game was electric. When that goal went in, I was naturally high-fiving the uncle next to me, a total stranger. That sense of unity probably comes from people who’ve weathered the harsh Nagano winters together. And it’s not just about football. Lately, there’s another name being talked about daily among baseball fans—a man carrying the Nagano name into battle. Of course, it’s Hisayoshi Nagano, the guy who came back home from the Yomiuri Giants.

A City Greeted with “Welcome Home”

His transformation since transferring here speaks for itself. Every time he steps up to the plate, the stands erupt in the “Nagano Call”. Hearing that, you can’t help but feel it’s more than just baseball; it’s a bond between a man and his homeland. Even in the prime of his career, he leads the team with an ageless vigour, and it’s a point of pride for us living in Nagano City. For those of us who remember him sweating it out at a prefectural high school back in the day, watching him make a name for himself in the pro world and then come back to us… he’s truly a hero who’s returned.

Shifting gears a bit, do you know how, when sports get this exciting, you start craving local comfort food? Like gathering with friends for a drink after the match. When that happens, the first thing that comes to my mind is Nagano’s Mizutaki. That soup, rich with the deep flavour of chicken stock and the sweetness of local vegetables, is just concentrated goodness. Shinshu’s regional cuisine might be more known for its mountain delicacies, but this mizutaki is on another level. Especially this time of year, on those slightly chilly nights, it just hits the spot. After yelling your lungs out at the stadium, there’s no greater pleasure for us Nagano residents than huddling over a steaming hot pot and saying, “Man, that play today was amazing!”

The Underrated Power of Shinshu

I guess for people from outside the prefecture, the image of “Nagano” might be strongly tied to hiking, skiing, and soba noodles. And that’s not wrong. But Nagano Prefecture these days is different.

• The Passion for Sports: AC Nagano Parceiro’s relentless team strategy. Hisayoshi Nagano’s clutch hitting. Both are rooted in the “never give up” Shinshu spirit.
• The Depth of the Cuisine: It’s not just soba. From long-established shops near Zenko-ji Temple to new eateries started by local youth. Mizutaki is just one facet of this diversity.
• The Warmth of the People: The classy, supportive cheering you see from the fans at the games. I think that’s a culture Nagano City can be truly proud of.

The other day, I had a little encounter at a local izakaya. A tourist couple sitting next to me remarked, “We had no idea Nagano City was so into football and baseball.” Overhearing this, the owner promptly brought over some congee made with the leftover mizutaki broth, on the house, and said, “Well, that’s something we’re proud of around here.” That casual exchange is the essence of this city. It’s not about putting on a front; it’s about having genuine, down-to-earth pride. It really made me realise, once again, that people like this are the ones giving our athletes such powerful support right now.

The season has only just begun. We’ll be keeping our eyes on AC Nagano Parceiro’s charge up the rankings and Hisayoshi Nagano’s continued success. If you ever find yourself in Nagano City, catch a game, and then head to a place near Zenko-ji Temple to try the mizutaki. I’m sure you’ll get to experience the real, authentic passion of this city—something you just can’t get from being a regular tourist.