Chance encounter in Japan brings LSU superfan to Death Valley sideline for Alabama matchup

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, 'O...