Japan’s 'Swifties' root for Chiefs ahead of Super Bowl

[February 08, 2024]  TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Swifties, devoted fans of Taylor Swift, are rallying behind the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs for this weekend's Super Bowl, fuelled by the American singer's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who plays at tight end for the team.   

People stand in front of the venue of Taylor Swift's international tour named "The Eras Tour" in Tokyo, Japan February 7, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

The romance between Swift and Kelce has boosted the sport's global popularity, showcased by Japanese fans donning red clothes in support of the Chiefs.

The "Shake It Off" singer is often spotted passionately cheering for Kelce from the stands, clad in a red Chiefs sweatshirt.

Ran Kawakami was proudly wearing a red Chiefs sweater in Tokyo where the Asia leg of Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" commenced on Wednesday.

"I hadn't really watched American football until now but because Taylor's boyfriend plays, I finally watched it," Kawakami told Reuters.

"We came to today's concert with the feeling of also wanting to cheer for him," said Sayuri Ito, also sporting a Chiefs sweater.

Swift's four concerts in Tokyo have sparked curiosity about whether she will make it to Las Vegas in time to cheer on Kelce when the Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl in Las Vegas on Sunday.

(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk, editing by Ed Osmond)

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