July 13, 2003 - page 3

popular and such an integral part of the Japanese culture, I thought it was necessary for me to experience it first hand. Yesterday I got my chance as I traveled to Hiroshima to watch the Chuunichi Dragons take on the hometown Hiroshima Carp. Both teams are members of the Central League of Nippon Professional Baseball.

I purchased a baseball cap from one of the many vendors and then walked over to the entrance. After waiting in line for about 30-minutes, I finally made it inside the park. I had a reserved ticket for left field which allowed me to sit

anywhere within the reserved section. I chose a spot about 10-feet inside of the fair pole a few rows up from the wall. I scanned the crowd, but I was the only gaijin in sight. I’ve been in this same situation almost the entire time I’ve been here, so I’m getting used to it.

A few minutes before the game the crowd kicked into full gear with non-stop chanting and clapping. Each team had a pseudo-organized band that played along with the chants. The crowd and bands didn’t relent until the game was over; even between innings they cheered away.