Oct. 12 - Today's guest blogger is Andy Utschig from Embassy Tokyo's Consular Section. He is also a big baseball fan.
Jim
Touring all 13 Pro Stadiums in Japan
My mother, father, son, and me on a beautiful summer evening at Sapporo Dome.
Ever watched a bullet train zoom by while watching a baseball game (Hiroshima)? Ever walked to a baseball stadium from an all-you-can-eat Chinese retaurant (Yokohama)? You can in the world of Japanese baseball. I'm a big baseball fan, and this summer I completed a tour of all 13 of Japan's pro baseball stadiums.
I started 10 years ago in Saitama at the Seibu Dome. I was delighted to find a roof raised on pillars, protecting us from the rain while leaving a view of a spacious green park all around. My final stop was Sapporo Dome this August.
It hailed on us at an early season game in Sendai, but we loved the fresh, crisp air.
My favorite is Jingu Stadium, home of the Yakult Swallows. From the takoyaki fried octopus dumplings to the vendors dispensing beer from kegs strapped to their backs, from the open-air summer relaxation to the steady nine-inning enthusiasm of fans - who chant, wave outsize flags, and play trumpets - there is so much to enjoy I don't always pay attention to the game.
Whichever stadium I visit, the game is always the same, and I love the professionalism of Japanese baseball. I am impressed by the team spirit, technical expertise, and training of the players. Every time I go, I know I'll see crisp play, teamwork, and pride in craftsmanship.
Fukuoka's Yahoo Dome is an architectural favorite of mine - unique, well integrated, and beautiful.
I can't wait to start another round of stadium visits.
Andy Utschig
This is great! U.S. Government authority Jim Zumwalt-san is a fan of Japanese pro baseball, and visiting around each Dome stadiums in Japan. US's oldest dome is Meterodome (1982?), maybe. I hear Japanese Tokyo Dome was constructed on reference U.S. Meterodome(Twins) architecture. I'll expect baseball players more free trade exchange among US-Japan for mutual strength.
