What Should I Expect at First NPB Game?

Lotte games are pretty easy to get "day of game" tickets for. The outfield bleachers are generally sold out (especially on the Lotte side), but I don't think I'd recommend the oen-dan (cheering section) seats for a first game. Besides, it sounds like you'll want to be on the visitors' (third base) side. I'd recommend behind the third base dugout to either side. The closer to home plate, the more likely you'll be able to hold a conversation with somebody.

It's been many years since I've gotten to a stadium before the gates opened, but I believe that it was after batting practice when I did. All I remember was a little bit of infield knock and players running/warming up in the outfield. I remember Nippon Ham announcing that they were opening the doors early a number of years ago to allow fans to watch one of their foreign players launch home runs during batting practice, inferring that fans were usually let in after he hit.

I've heard that Chiba Marine Stadium is a good place to get autographs from players. But I'm not a collector, so don't have any first hand experience. And it was home team fans that I've heard this from - so I don't know if the visiting team will hang out at the low point in the stands or not.

I think that the rest of your questions about seeing a game can be answered in Latham-san's "See a Japanese Game" page, Bavasi-san's tour and testimonials page, or from various links in the "How do I get tickets?" FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) here on this site.

Shinjo's been on and off so far this season. When he's been hitting, the Fighters have been doing pretty well. But then he'll hit a skid. Either way, the people I've talked with in Hokkaido love that Shinjo is there, through good and bad. It's his personality and character that has a wide appeal. A number of co-workers from our Sapporo branch have said that they would like to go to a game at Sapporo Dome specifically to see Shinjo.

FWIW, when I went to Game 2 of the 2000 Nihon Series (camping out in front of the Tokyo Dome's bleachers gate), we were able to see Daiei's batting practice. And that's about as early as you can get in, I think.

Westbay-san and CFiJ-san, thank you for your detailed response. I am hopping onto the plane in 14 hours. Can't wait to get to Chiba Marine Stadium. For sure I will be at the visitor's side.

So, in Japan the visitor side is on the third base side! That's completely opposite of what the MLB has.

Hopefully, I will get to watch some batting practice. I plan to show up two hours before game time, so I won't miss a beat.

Thanks again!