u/japanbaseballfan

I helped US baseball fans experience their first rare outdoor NPB game at Omiya Stadium! ⚾🇯🇵

Hi! I’m continuing a small project in Japan to help foreign visitors experience and enjoy Japanese baseball culture.

Last night, I watched a Saitama Seibu Lions game together with baseball fans visiting from the US. Since the Lions only play at Omiya Stadium a few times each year, I wanted them to experience the atmosphere of a traditional open-air Japanese ballpark instead of the usual dome games.

Since they were used to MLB games, I introduced them to some unique parts of NPB fan culture:
- The famous Lions big chain necklaces
- The iconic cheering flags
- The nonstop chants and organized cheering sections

Unfortunately, the Lions lost 1-3 to the Marines 😭
But my friends still had an amazing time.

After the game, they told me this experience had already become one of their favorite memories from their trip to Japan. That honestly made me really happy.

To make the night even more special, they also brought some amazing Dodgers and MLB souvenirs from the US. We promised each other that someday we’ll watch a baseball game together in America too.

Moments like this remind me that baseball truly connects people beyond language and countries.

For people who have experienced both MLB and NPB games:
What is one part of Japanese baseball culture that you think MLB fans would love the most?

For the first time in 768 days, my favorite team, the Seibu Lions, are back in first place in the Pacific League**！**

Right now might be the perfect time to experience Lions baseball in Japan.

Belluna Dome is full of energy:
passionate cheering, amazing fans, unique stadium food, and a festival-like atmosphere every game.

If you’re visiting Japan this summer and want to experience real Japanese baseball culture, come watch a Lions game ⚾

Tokorozawa is also an easy day trip from Tokyo, so it’s a great option for travelers!

Feel free to ask about games, tickets, food, or how to enjoy Japanese baseball.

The Lions are playing really exciting baseball right now ⚾

There are some games at Belluna Dome in June!

If anyone visiting Japan is curious about Japanese baseball culture, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message 😊

I tried the ¥2000 autograph board gacha at Belluna Dome…
and pulled Kuriyama, Nakamura, and Sumitani.

Lions fans know them as:
“Bone, Fang, and Tail” 🦴🦷🦁

(Kuriyama = Bone, Nakamura = Fang, Sumitani = Tail)

Absolute Seibu Lions legends.

Today’s game at Belluna Dome is Lions vs SoftBank Hawks — and it’s Pokémon Day!

The stadium is full of Pikachu, and even the merchandise is Pikachu-themed.

And the craziest part…
This Pikachu T-shirt was given away for FREE to fans.

In Japan, baseball games sometimes feel like a festival, anime event, and sports all in one.

Would you go just for something like this?

Hi! I’m working on a small project in Japan to help foreign visitors enjoy baseball games.
Recently, I guided a family visiting Japan — it was their first time watching baseball, and also their first time at Tokyo Dome.
They live in the US, but told me they don’t usually watch baseball, as basketball is more popular where they are from.
So this was a completely new experience for them.
They also had a 2-year-old child, so I prepared a few things in advance:
Checked kid-friendly areas at the stadium where they could take breaks
Asked Reddit for food recommendations (since the dad loves meat 😄)
Made a simple guide to explain how Japanese baseball works
(Last image is the guide I made!)
In Japan, baseball games are not just about the game.
There are cheering songs, unique food, and a really special atmosphere.
At first, they didn’t understand what was happening —
but by the end, they were smiling, eating, and enjoying everything.
That made me really happy.
I’m still learning, but I want to make Japanese baseball more accessible and enjoyable for international fans.
👉 If you’ve watched baseball in Japan, what confused you the most?