Question on Marine's Sponsor

Yes, they are the same.

You can calk it up to equal opportunity, I guess. Or as proof that, if you've got money, you're welcome no matter what your nationality.

You're going to find some red-necked biggots anywhere you go. The older generation is going to have more than the younger generation. And certain economic areas are going to have more racial tension than others. (I couldn't believe how blatantly segregated Virginia was when I visited it a few years ago.)

From what I've seen, the younger generation is very interested in Korea, enjoying trips to Seoul and Pusan for recreation and the food. What's more, some Korean "trendy dramas" and musical artists are making their way to Japan and attracting a good sized following.

Finally, the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) and Taiwanese baseball both have regular spots in Shukan Baseball, as we all know that baseball is an international language, capable of breaking down any linguistic and cultural barrier that even the hardest of hard liners tries to lay down.

Just a sidenote: Lotte not only owns the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japanese Pacific League, but they own the Lotte Giants of the Korean Baseball Organization.

I'd hazard a guess that, here in Japan, a lot of youngsters are not really aware of Lotte as a Korean company -- it's just the maker of their favourite gum, sweets, or whatever.

Thanks for all your replies. I live in Southern California and most of my friends are second or third generation Chinese-Americans, Korean-Americans, or Japanese-Americans. Everytime we gather, we would usually go out to drink and talk about Dodgers and how we will win the World Series (we are always optimistic when the season starts, but lately we are running out of patience because of the bad management by the front office) and most importantly, about JDM cars. There are no animosities between us. It is good to know that younger generations in Korea and Japan are becoming more familiar with their respective cultures.