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Take me to the Yakyu!

By on April 4, 2017

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What do Taiko drums, trumpets, flags, balloons and dried squid all have in common?

A Japanese baseball game believe it or not! And, a true Tokyo experience is not complete until you have attended one. Of course, a Japanese ball game offers a chance to see professional baseball and naturally it offers the opportunity to get to know the Japanese players (and a few international players as well) and the chance to learn some Nippon Professional Baseball specific rules (NPB games can end in a tie would you know?). However what really makes a yakyu experience memorable is the unbelievable fan participation.

Katobase!

Make it fly! Specific team theme songs, player chants, trumpets, banners—the oendan (cheering squad) take fan participation to a whole new level. Following the cheering squad’s lead, spectators cheer, clap and sing along throughout the game. Families, kids, visitors and even the subdued salarymen find the enthusiasm utterly infectious. Just remember, when your team is fielding, it’s time to watch, relax, and rest your voice, because once your team gets up to bat, it’s time to stand up and get your cheer on.

Mi Kasa, Su Kasa

Fan interaction doesn’t stop at cheering either. If you’re cheering for the Yakult Swallows don’t forget your umbrella! An established ritual at  Swallows games includes opening a clear or blue umbrella when a player scores a run (to let the opposing pitcher know he’s all “washed up”) while singing Tokyo Ondo, a traditional Japanese song.

Got stripes? To show their support, Hanshin Tigers fans don black and yellow Happi Coats. There’s also the rakii sebun (lucky seven) balloons. During the seventh inning stretch, Tigers fans blow up jet balloons and simultaneously release them for a spectacular show of sound and color. Marvelous!

Whether for the love of the game or just for fun, visit your local kyujo (ballpark) this summer and root for your favorite team [Tidbit: Japanese teams are named after company sponsors. The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters don’t really fight pork (on the field at least)]. There are vendors selling everything you need outside the stadiums. So, grab a noisemaker, join in with gusto, and experience an atmosphere that’s truly unique to Japanese culture. Pu-re bo-ru! Play ball!

Baseball Lingo

Biggu Eggu = The Tokyo Dome
Taimuri hitto = Timely hit
Naisu poo-re = Nice play
Haitta = It’s gone
Saki-ika/bieru/yakisoba doko ni kaimasu ka? = Where do I buy dried squid/beer/yakisoba
Gambatte! = Do your best!

When: Baseball season is from April-October

How: Buy tickets at a ticket agency (JTB; PIA); convenience store; or the Tokyo Dome

Who: There are 12-professional teams; two are based in Tokyo:

The Yomiuri Giants’ home field is the Tokyo Dome: two minute walk from Suidobashi station (JR Sobu Line, Toei Mita Line) or Kasuga Station (Oedo Subway Line) or Korakuen station (Marunouchi Subway Line, Namboku Subway Line).

http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/e/dome/ (English)    Events Schedule

Yakult Swallows play at the Meiji Jingu Stadium: 5 min. walk from Gaienmae station (Ginza Subway Line); 10 min. walk from Shinanomachi station (JR Sobu Line).

About Karen Pond

Karen Pond is mother to 3 boys and author of Getting Genki In Japan: The Adventures and Misadventures of an American Family in Tokyo