Summer Nights- Baseball

As promised, I'm here to talk about a more familiar summer tradition.  I hadn't actually planned to go to a baseball game while in Tokyo.  It wasn't until our recent guest suggested it, that the thought even occurred to me- but I'm so glad we went!  It was illuminating.  In some ways, going to a baseball game here was just like going to a Nats or Orioles game back home.

Tokyo Giants vs. Yakult Swallows in Tokyo Dome

You had your standard advertisements around the stadium, people cheering and waving their towels, people eating popcorn in the stands, beer girls running around in fluorescent skorts...

Wait, what was that last one?  Oh you're not familiar with beer girls?  Allow me to explain.  Beer girls are a Japanese baseball game staple.  These ladies are so entertaining, I think I watched them more than the actual game.  You know those sweaty guys walking up and down the stairs at MLB games with their big tubs of overpriced bottled beer?  Now replace that image with cute young Japanese sweeties wearing backpacks of draft beer.  Flag one down, and she happily runs over to fill a plastic cup with your choice of Asahi, Sapporo, Yebisu, or Kirin.  Fancy a cocktail instead?  Sure there are Chu-hi girls, sour girls, and whiskey-cola girls too. 

Please note the baseball cap is folded and pinned to the front of the head only- kawaii?

Beer girls aren't the only thing that make baseball games more fun here.  The atmosphere in general is a bit more lively than back home.  The fans have lots of chants and songs that really fill the stadium with energy.  Sure we have a few cheers of our own, but everyone really participates here.  It's a good time for all.  Just be sure to check your plastic bottles at the door- apparently some angry fans can get a little rowdy and actually throw them at the players!