Hundreds of fans gathered outside the HiLife clothing store in Kakaako on January 3, 2024, to attend a free autograph session featuring kicker Kansei Matsuzawa. The event began at 11:00 a.m., but fans began lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. to express their gratitude for Matsuzawa’s remarkable performance during his time with the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Matsuzawa’s career concluded on December 24, 2023, when he played a pivotal role in the Rainbow Warriors’ comeback victory over California in the Hawaii Bowl, finishing with a score of 35-31. The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, with HiLife founder Kyle Shimabukuro noting the unexpected turnout. “We were really surprised by the turnout,” he said. “After they won the bowl game, we knew it might be nuts. You never know what the crowd will be like after Christmas.”
Despite the rainy weather, fans flooded the area to get their items signed and take selfies with Matsuzawa. Among the attendees was Mika Watabayashi, who waited for about 90 minutes to present Matsuzawa with two hand-drawn pictures as a token of appreciation. Another fan, Shelley Okubo, who has supported UH athletics since the early 1970s, brought a green medallion from the Warriors’ participation in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.
Matsuzawa, who hails from Chiba, Japan, earned the nickname “Tokyo Toe” during a record-setting season, successfully converting his first 25 field-goal attempts, tying an NCAA record. Although he missed a 30-yard attempt in the final game of the regular season, he bounced back in the Hawaii Bowl, making two of three attempts and helping the Warriors overcome a 21-point deficit.
Recognized as the first consensus All-American in the history of the UH football program, Matsuzawa garnered first-team honors from the Walter Camp Foundation, the Associated Press, and the American Football Coaches Association. In addition to his achievements on the field, Matsuzawa and local businessman Mike Kawazoe own the trademark for the “Tokyo Toe” brand, which includes merchandise designed with Matsuzawa’s input. He receives royalties from the sales, although he was not compensated for his appearance at the autograph session.
After Matsuzawa’s event, former UH pitcher Itsuki Takemoto also signed autographs. Recently drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 19th round of the 2025 MLB draft, Takemoto is set to report to the team’s training facility in Arizona next month. He expressed enthusiasm about his progress, stating his pitching velocity has reached 96 mph. Notably, Okubo was also in line for Takemoto’s autograph, showcasing her dedication to supporting UH athletes across multiple sports.
The turnout for Matsuzawa’s autograph session reflects the deep connection between the fans and the players, highlighting the community’s appreciation for the talent and dedication displayed by athletes representing the University of Hawaii. As the event concluded, it became clear that Matsuzawa’s impact on the program would be remembered long after his playing days are over.
