For many SJMC Japan students, attending a Japanese baseball game offered more than just nine innings of competition. The experience highlighted several cultural differences between baseball in Japan and the United States, particularly through food options, fan engagement and overall atmosphere inside the stadium.
While baseball remains one of the most popular sports in both countries, the way the fans experience the game differs significantly. From the moment students entered the stadium for the optional outing to the Tokyo Dome on June 5, they noticed a stronger sense of community among Japanese fans. Rather than individuals cheering independently, entire sections of supporters participated in coordinated chants, songs and dances throughout the game.
The energy rarely faded, even during breaks in play, creating a constant connection between the crowd and the action on the field. The support transformed the stadium into an interactive experience where fans played an active role in shaping the atmosphere.
Mass communication senior Celeste Montoya said she loved the energy in the stadium.
“I prefer Japanese crowds because they have fun chants, dancing and are always having fun,” she said. “You can tell the unity with the audience. Everyone loves it here and wants to be here.”
One detail that stood out to students was the level of engagement among Japanese fans. While many American baseball fans show their support by wearing team jerseys, caps and other merchandise, students noticed that many spectators in Japan arrived wearing business casual attire or work clothes. Despite coming straight from work, enthusiasm extends beyond cheering. Fans wave towels, sing songs and participate in traditions that involve nearly every person in their section. The result is an environment where spectators become part of the entertainment rather than simply observing it.
Food also played a major role in shaping students’ impressions of the Japanese baseball experience. While American stadiums are often associated with hotdogs, hamburgers, nachos and candy, Japanese stadiums offer a wider variety of meal options that reflect that country’s food culture as well as incorporating American foods. Students found themselves surrounded by choices ranging from rice bowls and curry dishes to specialty snacks and regional foods. The options allowed visitors to experience Japanese cuisine while attending the game.
Digital media innovation junior Berkelee Bryan noted the variety and quality of food available inside the stadium.
“I feel like they know how to do different types of food very well,” she said.
The food selections demonstrated how baseball games in Japan often incorporate local culture into the fan experience. Rather than relying primarily on traditional stadium foods, vendors offer meals that reflect Japanese taste and dining habits. This creates an experience that feels uniquely connected to the country and its culture. For many students, exploring the food options became just as memorable as watching the game itself. The variety allowed them to experience a different side of Japanese cuisine while also highlighting how everyday cultural traditions can be incorporated into major sporting events.\
Students also noticed differences in how vendors interacted with fans. In Japanese stadiums, many beverage vendors, often young women carrying backpack-style beer dispensers, moved through the seating sections with a polite and friendly approach. In comparison, vendors at many American ballparks are often louder and more aggressive as they call out their products to attract customers. The contrast reflected the overall atmosphere of each experience, with Japanese baseball emphasizing hospitality and service, while American games often create a more energetic and fast-paced environment creating a different atmosphere in the stands.
The experience showed students that while baseball may be played by the same rules in both countries, the culture surrounding the game can be remarkably different. From the coordinated chants and energetic cheering sections to the diverse food options and unique stadium atmosphere, the game offered students a deeper look into everyday Japanese culture.
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