MLB season opens in Japan with unique atmosphere

At the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs began MLB's regular season. Baseball in Japan, known as "yakyu," offers a lively atmosphere that feels different from games in the United States. Fans are energetic, with even elderly men bringing gloves to catch stray balls. One unique aspect is the food. Young women walk around with beer kegs, serving drinks to fans. The food options include Asian dishes like kimchi noodles and dumplings. There are also familiar snacks like popcorn and a version of Cracker Jack. Prices for food, like a double-cheese hot dog for about $6.50, are reasonable compared to ticket prices, which soared from $2,000 to $10,000 on the resale market. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts compared the fan passion in Japan to that in Latin America, noting that while the cultures differ, the love of the game is similar. Teammates echoed this sentiment, describing how Japanese fans enjoy baseball in a way that reminds them of the passionate atmosphere in Latin America. Overall, a baseball game in Japan combines sport and a rich, lively cultural experience.