This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
It is my sincere hope that once you learn a bit about what we're about here that you will join the community of contributors.
Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
In May 2007, I've managed to secure a cheaper flight when I fly from Brisbane, Australia to Los Angeles. In each direction, I stop in Tokyo, but it's only on the return leg where I can go into town for a few days. Having checked the 2007 schedule on the NPB official website, I have found 2 matches of interest to me - Lions vs. Baystars or Marines vs. Dragons on Thursday May 24, I'm leaning towards the Seibu match. Now, I've done the train research (timetables, fares, etc.) from where I shall be staying in Asakusa OR Jim-bocho to get to the train stations near the respective grounds, so I know how to get to the Seibu Dome or Chiba Marine Stadium.
My question, however is:
- When I arrive in Tokyo on May 22, how difficult will it be to roll up on the midweek night of May 24 to see one of these games? Given the teams’ traditional standings, it's midweek, and not a derby match, my hunch is it should be possible to do so.
- What would the readers suggest?
I will also do research to find out ticket outlets for e+ around Asakusa (though I don't know kanji when accessing websites), in case I need to buy my ticket upon arrival on May 22. I'm even thinking of going to a ticket outlet the day I'm in Tokyo (April 22 for a 16 hour stopover) on the way over to the U.S., and buying my tickets then and there in advance. But, that will be a Sunday, and I'm not holding my breath the necessary places would be open on that Sunday in April. Not after my adventures in trying to find an automatic teller machine in Tokyo one frantic Saturday with just 1,000 yen in my wallet until I found an ATM the next morning.(Please note that I have read about the service Bob Bavasi provides at his Japan Ball site, and as great as it is, paying a US$50 charge for each stadium (not the tickets, just a stadium charge of some sort) for game(s) one wishes to attend (whilst a service with a required demand) is a bit expensive.
Just as an idea, if I stayed at a nicer hotel on the way over, could I get the concierge to buy my tickets? Might be a better investment perhaps? (I'm seriously looking at all ideas).
Also, to Mr. Westbay, I offer the invitation for you and your family to attend the Lions - Baystars’ game with me whilst I'm there (an away match for you), should that be the game. This site has helped me so much, as well as the links from it. It's amazing how little people outside of Japan (and especially outside of the U.S.) know about Japanese baseball.
Please note I've read all the other ticket links (some of which may need to be updated), and checked all the possibilities, including the e+ site. I've googled so many times that it's making my head spin.
Hope someone can help.
ADAM COLEMAN
Brisbane, Australia
EXTRA - a quick backstory as to how this site helped me in 2004.
Thanks to the information here, and through other sites, I ended up catching a Giants-Tigers showdown on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at the Tokyo Dome. That night, the Tigers won 7-6, but my interest in NPB began.
A quick story to aid/entertain others - I bought my ticket about 3 days before the game (at the Ticket Booth at the Tokyo Dome itself), the cheapest seat (and pretty much the only section left), 1,000 yen. Little did I know that the "seat" was in fact a standing area (and after a day of sightseeing, my ankles were killing me in no time at all).
Thankfully, there I was, the only anglo-saxon in the stadium - and wearing a replica jersey (the 3,700 Yen reps, compared to the 10,000 Yen originals) of my new chosen favorite player (outfielder and National Team player #24 Yoshinobu Takahashi). In the 2nd inning, a gentleman came up to me and (in broken English), asked if I'd like to sit next to him, which I was graciously accepted (in broken Japanese). From what I could gather, he was possibly a season ticket holder, and/or friend of #29 Maeda, a relief pitcher for the Giants. Needless to say, I had an awesome night. The baseball was great, the rival chanting from Tigers' fans was brilliant, the Dome is a fantastic venue, and the Giants became my favorite team.