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Chance encounter in Japan brings LSU superfan to Death Valley sideline for Alabama matchup
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BATON ROUGE — While LSU’s matchup against Alabama did not end the way Tiger fans hoped, one international supporter made a trek across the globe for what he called one of the most memorable days of his life.
Shota Kuge traveled from Japan to Baton Rouge on Saturday, taking in the full Death Valley experience — from tailgating to pregame sideline passes — courtesy of welcoming fans and an unexpected connection made thousands of miles away.
The journey began earlier this year when LSU alumnus Egan Robinson traveled abroad.
"So I had to go to a wedding in Vietnam this year, and I was like, well, you know what, might as well, I'm already in Asia, go to my favorite place," Robinson told WBRZ.
Robinson headed to Japan, extending his stay for about three months. While walking through Osaka with his camera, a familiar sight caught his eye in the crowd.
"I'm out with my camera and from far away, I see a guy wearing a purple and gold jersey, and I'm like, there's no way," Robinson said.
Robinson approached Kuge to introduce himself as an LSU graduate.
"I'm just like that is my college and he's like, 'Oh, really? I love Tyrann Mathieu.' I made a whole video about it," Robinson said.
The video Robinson posted of their meeting quickly gained traction online, prompting Tiger fans to flood the comment section with calls to fly Kuge to a game in Louisiana.
"We started a GoFundMe and fundraise money to bring him and his father out here," Robinson said.
The online support paid off Saturday as Kuge and his father joined the game-day festivities in Tiger Stadium. When asked for his initial impression of Baton Rouge and the university community, Kuge kept his review simple and enthusiastic.
"Very Great! Geaux Tigers! Yeah, very, very great," Kuge said.
A trip to South Louisiana also required sampling local cuisine, which earned high marks from the traveling fan.
"Very great. It's really delicious. (I had) Jambalaya and Bread Pudding. Very good, very good," Kuge said.
Throughout the afternoon, tailgaters approached Kuge and Robinson to say they recognized them from the viral clip and were thrilled the trip came together.
"I think it is absolutely amazing to see LSU fans all around the world. I mean, if you've ever been to an LSU game, you know how awesome and amazing it is," LSU fan Bailey Watts said.
For Robinson, the outpouring of support illustrated the reach of the Tiger fan base.
"People have been so kind and generous, with offering us tickets, passes, experiences, food and drink," Robinson said.
While the outcome on the field favored the Crimson Tide, Tiger fans delivered on a cross-continental promise, turning a chance international run-in into an unforgettable game day.
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