By Graham Chadwick

PUBLISHED: 10:00 EST, 11 December 2012 | UPDATED: 11:17 EST, 11 December 2012

Sportsmail photographer Graham Chadwick has travelled to Japan with Chelsea as they prepare for their first game of the FIFA Club World Cup this Thursday.

Watch Graham's latest video blog as the Blues are given a rousing reception in Yokohama.

Chelsea were mobbed by legions of adoring fans at their hotel in Yokohama ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup entrance against Mexican side Monterrey on Thursday.

The back-in-form Fernando Torres appeared especially popular with the locals hunting autographs from their heroes.

And even Rafa Benitez's signature was in demand - a welcome change from the less than warm welcome he has received from Chelsea's fans back home in west London.

Chelsea's evident popularity in the Far East will be music to the ears of the money men at Stamford Bridge, who dream of emulating Manchester United's global fanbase and reaping the obvious financial rewards.

And it looks like United might have serious rivals for the hearts of Japanese fans if these scenes are anything to go by.

Watch the video...

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

Roman's empire is growing and growing!

Report abuse

I think if a Japanese guy likes Football he'll probably support all the big clubs but really love one club and that will be Chelsea FC!!!

Report abuse

Even with a few blips Chelsea have ten trophies in nine years, have more exciting players and are overtaking Man U around the world faster than you can say "man u, yesterday's heroes "

Report abuse

Im not sure about this article, Man Utd will surely use the signing of Shinji Kagawa to go to the far east in the future!

Report abuse

chelsea are most loved and popular club in the world

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.