Struck Out - Punctual Football Fan Goes To The Baseball

Well I wanted to watch some football in the land of the rising sun however there was a slight problem. Japan was competing in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and therefore no J-League matches or right down to J-2 matches were not playing for the second half of June. What do I have to do with no football? Go to the nation's second favourite pass-time: Baseball.

The day of visiting Tokyo was almost called off as it was incredibly heavy with rain. Yet managed to brave it down to Tokyo Dome to watch Hawks take on the Fighters. Price of entry to nearly behind the catcher was 41 dollars so not bad compared to nib stadium or AFL games. The game was very entertaining going beyond the 9th innings. The atmosphere was terrific it was electric. The fan groups were at either end of the bleachers  with drums, flags, chanting and bells (yes cowbells). It was odd but not because it felt completely like a football game yet what I was watching was clearly NOT football.

What was interesting was unlike baseball in the US it was well... Japanese, you have girls run up and down in packs slung over them politely yelling out if patrons want beer, icecreams, pepsi or other drinks and crisps.
Was so cute seeing them in pulled up socks, pleated skirts and tight shirts with hair tied back and a hat with a flower. When you look at them when you take your eye off the game and you see these brightly coloured outfits floating up and down the aisles so diligently and orderly yet so fast like watching the trains pull in and out at Tokyo Station.

The drinks were cheap at 3 dollars for a large cup or 300 yen. Icecream and crisps for about 2 dollars each which are good value. The bit that lets it all down were the beers. Yes its Kirin (either Kirin or Suntory) and we have had those drinks but (yes this sounds a bit rich) 10 dollars a pop for beer is a bit much. But when you have beers in Japan around 3 dollars for a 500ml can you could could feel ripped.

I highly recommend heading down to the baseball if you end up heading out this way. The more football feel made it more appealing shame it isnt the case in baseball or basketball in Australia.