Former Goldstone regular Kazuo Sobajima was thrilled to catch up with Albion – in his native Japan.

Sobajima, known as Charlie, chatted to Albion chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber at a fan event in Tokyo on Sunday.

He has since contacted Barber to say thank you for the club’s visit – and to explain why it was so special for him.

He told Barber: “I used to live in Brighton from 1973 to 1978. During those five years, I went to all the home matches and some away games.

“Win or lose, I enjoyed every match, and these remain very fond and precious memories for me.”

The 1970s were exciting times for Albion, although Charlie did not quite make it to the top flight with Alan Mullery’s men back then, as they were promoted in 1979.

He continued: “I returned to Japan in 1978. Unfortunately, soccer was not yet a major sport in Japan at that time, and it was long before the internet age, so I was unable to watch Albion matches at all for a long time after returning to Japan.

“However, since Albion was promoted to the Premier League, I have been able to watch the matches online, though not live ones.

“Thanks to this Japan tour, I was finally able to watch live Albion matches for the first time in 47 years, instead of just seeing it on TV.

“I never dreamed that a day would come when I could watch an Albion match in Japan.

“I don’t remember seeing a single Japanese person in and around the Goldstone Ground during those five years I was there, so when I heard 25,000 Japanese supporters chanting ‘Seagulls, Seagulls!’ at the National Stadium, it was such an emotional moment for me that it made me cry.

“These past two weeks have been like a dream for me.

“Again, thank you very much for coming to Japan.

“I hope our people treated you well and that you, your staff, and the players all enjoyed your time here.”

Clearly one current player is hugely responsible for Albion’s new-found popularity in Japan.

But Charlie’s story was in-keeping with other tales The Argus came across of fans from the Far East who do not follow the club only because of Kaoru Mitoma.

He told Barber: “Now, this fulfilled one of my dreams.

“My next dream is to watch an Albion match at the Amex Stadium.

“Since I am 71 years old now, I must hurry!”

Charlie wished Albion all the best for the future and signed off: “UTA!”

Up the Albion!