In Japan, baseball is not just a sport; it is part of the culture. You can cheer for your favourite team and share good feelings with others, or just watch the game itself. And you don’t even need to be a die-hard fan to truly enjoy the sport. There are also a lot of fun things to try and discover at the games, like local food and talking with visitors, which creates a festival atmosphere. In this blog, we will guide you through how to enjoy baseball in Japan for the first time.
People cheering in baseball games – Photo Credit: Nippon Professional Baseball
Japan’s love for baseball
Baseball, or yakyu (野球) in Japanese, has been the national sport of the country since the late 1800s. It was originally introduced by an American teacher and has expanded over the decades. Today, Japan’s professional league – Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) – is home to many fans of Japanese baseball as well as the sport in general. NPB consists of 12 teams, which are split into two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. Games run during the hot seasons from late March until October, but baseball fever runs all year. Even during winter, kids play catch in the parks, sporting their favourite team’s jerseys.
Tokyo Dome – Photo Credit: Tokyo Dome
Major teams and stadiums
There are many popular teams beloved by fans across the country, but in Tokyo in particular, there are two major teams: the Yomiuri Giants and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. Also called the “New York Yankees of Japan,” the Yomiuri Giants have a long history and always play at the iconic Tokyo Dome, whereas the Tokyo Yakult Swallows are a home team at Meiji Jingu Stadium. One fun fact is that both teams have their own unique vibe that sets them apart from each other. For example, the Giants are polished, but the Swallows have a close relationship with their fans. Other popular teams include the Hanshin Tigers in Osaka, Hiroshima Toyo Carp, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and more. All of them are deeply loved by their fans, and many flock to see their games whenever they can.
Tokyo Dome
Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
Phone Number: +81358009999
Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/dome/
Meiji Jingu Stadium
Address: 3-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
Phone Number: +81334048999
Website: http://www.jingu-stadium.com/
Japanese baseball fans – Photo Credit: Remote Lands
The fans of Japanese baseball
Fans of Japanese baseball are extremely passionate about both the sport and their favorite team. Each team has a supporter club, which consists of cheerleaders, dancers, and musicians, making games enjoyable even for beginners. Not to mention, they are incredibly polite. The home team fans cheer loudly when they score a run, but when it comes time for the opposite team to celebrate, they become quiet, allowing them to make just as much noise for their team without interruption. The game is always intense but respectful, as well as peaceful. In addition, you can enjoy watching the ways of cheering because each team and its fans have their own unique tradition. For instance, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows are famous for the umbrella dance. During scoring moments, supporters open small umbrellas and wave them rhythmically while singing! It might sound weird, but it is so adorable, and you’re sure to feel like getting involved!
Koune don in stadium – Photo Credit: HIROSHIMA TOYO CARP
Different game foods and drinks
In most baseball games, there are many food stalls where you can eat various kinds of dishes. From traditional bento boxes to light meals such as takoyaki, yakisoba and karaage (Japanese fried chicken), you can truly find everything! You can also drink alcohol during the game. Beer girls who roam around the stadium pour fresh and cold beer directly into your cup; simply signal to them when you’d like a top-up. There are also other drinks like sake and soft drinks, for those who are underage or would prefer a non-alcoholic option. Some stadiums also offer local specialities. For example, at Hiroshima Carp’s home stadium, you can eat okonomiyaki and koune(cow’s shoulder), which are the popular local foods in Hiroshima. And, in Osaka, Hanshin Tigers fans can typically enjoy kushikatsu (fried skewers) while watching games.
Hiroshima Carp’s home stadium
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Minamikaniya, Minami Ward, Hiroshima, 732-0803, Japan
Phone Number: +81825682777
Website: http://www.mazdastadium.jp/
Ticket box office – Photo Credit: T-1 Ticket&Travel
How to buy tickets
The price range of tickets usually starts at about ¥1,500 for outfield seats, going up to ¥10,000 for premium box seats. As for where to buy, here are the three main options for ticket purchases:
- Online store: You can usually buy tickets via the team’s website. Some teams guide you in English, so you can get them even if you do not understand Japanese. But official team websites aren’t the only option, there are other ticket services like Ticket Pia and Lawson e+. Also, JapanBall (japanball.com) is great for travelers as it specialises in helping foreigners buy tickets.
- Convenience stores: Major convenience stores like Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven have ticket machines. However, many of these do not offer English translation, making it hard for travelers. If you do not read Japanese, you may need a local who can help you buy tickets.
- Ticket box office: The simplest way to buy tickets is to visit the ticket box office at the stadium. Except for games at the beginning of the season and the last game of top teams, tickets for most games are not sold out on game day, so you should be able to get a good seat. If you’re hoping for the more popular games, though, you will need to use the above two options to book in advance to ensure you can get a ticket before they are all gone.
Team’s towels – Photo Credit: Pacific League
Tips for watching a game for the first time
Now, let’s talk about some tips that are sure to help you enjoy your first Japanese baseball game! Firstly, it is important to think about the best time to go. If you want to avoid crowds, it would be good to watch games on weekday evenings. On the other hand, weekend games have an energetic atmosphere with fireworks and shows, providing a completely different, vibrant atmosphere than the more paced-out weekday games. The NPB All-Star Game in mid-July and the playoffs in October are also highlights, so we certainly suggest you give these two a try at least once if you’re hoping to get into the sport. In the game, wear your favourite team’s towel or jersey and make sure to join in the fun! You can get them in the official store at the stadium or the online store, so there’s plenty of opportunity to make sure you’re decked out and ready to support your team. Finally, a little lesser-known tip, if you arrive about 2 hours before the match, you can watch batting practice!
Baseball – Photo Credit: おがさく
Watching Japanese baseball is such a fun way to dive into Japanese culture and the unique vibe of its sports culture, something that has been passed down from generation to generation. Even if you do not understand the rules, you can still easily enjoy the cheering among fans and the delicious, local food at the stalls offered at the games. There are several ways of getting tickets, like online stores and convenience stores, but the simplest way is to directly visit the ticket box office. Don’t forget to arrive early, you don’t want to miss the chance to see the pro players practicing their batting! So if you’re visiting Japan during baseball season, grab yourself a ticket and be ready to enjoy the world of Japanese baseball!
Featured Photo Credit: Sean Pavone
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