「WORLD MASTERS GAMES (WMG) 2021 KANSAI」 has baseball, rubber baseball, and softball included in its event lineup. Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan. Now that it is being featured as a WMG event in Japan, the competition is likely to generate a lot of excitement.
In this article we would like to introduce Japan’s baseball culture, baseball event venues and their surrounding areas, and spots familiar to baseball fans in Japan. If you are a player or a fan, we hope you take the chance to experience the charm of Japan’s baseball culture while participating in WMG!
In Japan, baseball is extremely popular. Which team is your favorite?
Baseball was introduced to Japan in the Meiji Period in the late 19th century. There are many theories as to why it became popular, including the suitability of the climate, and compatibility with the Japanese physique. Also with the growth of television, including live broadcasts of professional baseball matches, watching games as a family while having dinner became a habit in many Japanese households.
Japan has two baseball leagues with six teams each. Naturally, many fans come from the area near where each team’s home stadium is located. Each team has their own uniformed cheerleaders and cheering style, and cute mascots.
Recommended Places in Hyogo Prefecture Related to Baseball
For WMG participants who wish to know more about Japan’s baseball culture, a visit to The Museum of Hanshin Koshien Stadium is a must. Hanshin Koshien Stadium is where the annual National High School Baseball Championship is held, besides being the home stadium of the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers team.
The Museum of Hanshin Koshien Stadium’s exhibits include items related to Hanshin Tigers’ players, a baseball experience corner from the catcher’s perspective, and displays about the highschool baseball tournaments that will excite fans.
SPACE11 DARVISH MUSEUM which is associated with Darvish Yu, a Japanese player in U.S. Major League Baseball, is another recommended spot. You can learn about the history of this player who was born in Habikino, Osaka, and re-live his most famous triumphs victory in a 4D cinema.
Enjoy the Nature of Shiga Prefecture with Team Members!
Higashiomi, the city where the WMG venue for rubber baseball is located, is an area with great natural scenery. There are activities such as canyoning on the clear river and shower climbing (also known as stream climbing) which is a very enjoyable way to cool off with your team members or friends. Moriyama city, another venue, is a good place to rent a bicycle and enjoy the natural scenery while riding around the city. Along your journey, you will find plenty of cafes or souvenir shops to rest and browse in.
At Minami-Kusatsu which is located a few stations away from the venue, there is the Minami-Kusatsu Batting Dome where you can get in some pitching and batting practice. Enjoy your tour to the fullest by playing baseball while sightseeing!
Go the Extra Mile to a Place Dear to the Heart of Japan’s Most Fervent Baseball Fans
This next place is a little far from the WMG baseball venues. It is Dotonbori, Osaka’s iconic street, bustling with people and food stalls selling famous foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. But Dotonburi also has a special connection to baseball.
Whenever the Hanshin Tigers baseball team won the league pennant or Japan Series, fans would dive off the Ebisubashi bridge into the Dotonbori canal (this is known as the Dotonbori dive). This practice is now prohibited due to safety and hygiene reasons, but it shows how enthusiastic these fans were. Even though it is great to experience Japanese culture, please do not dive into the canal!
However, don’t let that stop you checking out Dotonbori when you visit Osaka!
The Unique Charm of Japan Baseball Culture
A very different culture and some unique customs and traits can develop around the same sport played in different countries, such as the characteristics of the players, the way the game is watched and the way fans support and cheer their team, not to mention the new places to explore around the stadiums. We hope you can enjoy Japan’s baseball culture win all its aspects. And last but not least, we hope you are looking forward to an exciting time at WMG events!
To know more about WMG2021 KANSAI, checkout the official website (English)
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