Japan loves baseball! It is a beloved national sport. We were lucky enough to get tickets for a game in Fukuoka recently – not an easy feat, as the tickets sell like hot cakes!

We were in the cheering seats, the only place with tickets left 20 minutes after they went on sale…the cheering seats are where the hardcore shouty fans sit. But, this is still Japan after all, the cheering was very well organised and conducted! Each time our team (Fukuoka Hawks) were batting, we would stand up and be conducted to sing and clap various chants.

Naturally, Dan and I were more interested in drinking beer and cheering vaguely, rather than the organised cheer. Nevertheless, it was still pretty good fun! We enjoyed experiencing something very Japanese and much loved across Japan. Plus, the team we were supporting won!