In Tokyo, the excitement was palpable as fans filled the Tokyo Dome for the opening games of the MLB regular season between the Dodgers and the Cubs. The atmosphere at these baseball games, known as “yakyu” in Japan, is vibrant and electric, resembling a lively concert more than the traditional American sporting event.
One of the most striking features of attending a game in Japan is the enthusiastic participation of the fans. Unlike typical games in North America, young women wearing beer kegs on their backs made rounds to serve cold drinks right to the spectators. The crowd’s energy was evident; even older gentlemen arrived with gloves in hand, ready for any opportunity to catch a ball. Watching the game was also a delightful experience for the taste buds, with fans enjoying noodles and rice dishes using chopsticks.
The variety of food offered at the concession stands was impressive. While Asian cuisine dominated, traditional snacks like popcorn and beer were widely available, alongside a unique take on Cracker Jack. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted similarities between the passion of Japanese fans and those in Latin America, suggesting that both cultures share a deep love for the game, although expressed differently.
Players from the Dodgers, including Venezuelan shortstop Miguel Rojas, also reflected on how the enjoyment of baseball in Japan felt familiar to Latin American fans. Kike Hernandez, another teammate from Puerto Rico, pointed out the contrasts between Latin and Japanese cultures, but recognized that both share a spirited approach to the game that resonates with fans.
The food offerings at the Tokyo Dome were not only delightful but also reasonably priced compared to ticket costs for the Dodgers-Cubs series, which reportedly ranged from $2,000 to $10,000 on the secondary market. While a large beer cost around 900 yen (approximately $6), classic ballpark favorites like a double-cheese hot dog were priced at around 1,000 yen ($6.50). Fans could indulge in delectable choices such as kimchi noodles, garlic-pepper chicken, and dumplings, with pita sandwiches priced near 1,300 yen (about $8.50) joining pizza, fries, and ice cream as popular snacks.
As the crowd reveled in the festive spirit of the game, they came together in a common love for baseball, representing a beautiful blend of cultures and traditions in one of the sport’s most extraordinary celebrations. Let’s eat, or as they say in Japanese, “tabemashou”!
