Name in Japanese: 横浜DeNAベイスターズ (Yokohama DeNA BayStars)
Stadium Name in Japanese: 横浜スタジアム (Yokohama Sutajiamu)
Location: Yokohama Stadium, 2-3 Yokohama Park, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours:
• Game times vary, but typically start at 6:00 PM on weekdays and 2:00 PM on weekends. Check the BayStars’ official schedule for specific dates and times.
• Baseball season in Japan runs from Late March/Early April up until October.
How to Find It:
• Nearest Station: Kannai Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or Yokohama Municipal Subway)
• Use South Exit for the easiest walk to the stadium (about 5 minutes on foot). Alternatively, you can get off at Nihon-Odori Station (Minatomirai Line) for another quick route to the stadium.
• For Taxi Drivers or Asking Directions: You can say “Yokohama Sutajiamu” (横浜スタジアム) or show the written name in Japanese to make it easier.
A Glimpse into the World of Japanese Baseball
Japanese baseball, or yakyū (野球), has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, and it has since grown into one of the most popular sports in the country. Much like Major League Baseball in the U.S., the Nippon Professional Baseball League (NPB) is divided into two leagues: the Central League and the Pacific League. The Yokohama DeNA BayStars are part of the Central League, and while they may not always dominate the standings, their loyal fanbase is second to none.
Baseball season in Japan typically runs from late March to October, with the Japan Series Championship held in November. If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to catch a game, this is the window to aim for. The season consists of about 143 games, much like in the U.S., and the excitement builds throughout the spring and summer, culminating in the playoffs and the championship series.
Baseball in Japan is more than just a sport; it’s a cultural event. The precision of the game, the dedication of the players, and the near-religious fervor of the fans create an atmosphere that is both exciting and uniquely Japanese. Attending a game in Japan offers a look into the passion that drives the country’s love for the sport, and few teams embody this better than the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
The History of the Yokohama BayStars
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars were originally founded in 1949 as the Taiyo Fishing Company’s team, and over the decades, the team has gone through several transformations. They eventually became the Yokohama BayStars in 1993, before being purchased by the tech company DeNA in 2011, leading to their current name. Despite not being perennial champions, the BayStars have a solid place in Japanese baseball history, with one of their crowning achievements being their 1998 Japan Series Championship, where they claimed the league title after a nearly 40-year drought.
While the BayStars have experienced their ups and downs over the years, their fans remain incredibly dedicated, particularly the Ōendan (応援団), the organized groups of cheerleaders and fans who lead the chanting, singing, and drumming throughout the game. The BayStars’ Yokohama Stadium serves as their home turf, located in the heart of Yokohama and offering a vibrant backdrop for some of the most spirited baseball in Japan.
Nothing like a Baseball Game on a hot summer evening.
The Experience: Standing Room Only
For only $15, I scored a “standing room only” ticket to the game, a deal that would be nearly impossible at a professional sports event in many countries. While getting to the section was a bit daunting—crowded and chaotic as you might expect from a stadium filled with thousands of passionate fans—once I was settled, I realized the standing area offered something priceless: a view into the beating heart of the working-class Yokohama.
Surrounded by true BayStars supporters, it became clear that the standing section is where the most dedicated fans come together. These are real, hardworking people who live and breathe BayStars baseball. Despite the crowded conditions and the fact that I had to stand the entire game, the energy in this section was infectious. The chanting and cheers never stopped—from the very first pitch to the final out, the fans were in sync with every moment of the game.
Japanese baseball games are known for their Ōendan, a term that refers to the organized groups of fans who create orchestrated cheers and chants for each player as they step up to bat. This wasn’t just polite clapping—this was full-on, spirited chanting, complete with drums, flags, and coordinated movements. Every single person in my section knew the songs, and they belted them out with the kind of dedication and love that makes you realize just how special baseball is in Japan.
The Cultural Impact of Japanese Baseball
Baseball games in Japan are an immersive cultural experience, far beyond what you might expect from a typical sporting event. The fans are an integral part of the spectacle, and the Ōendan plays a huge role in driving the momentum of the game. Their chants aren’t just about making noise—they’re about creating a supportive environment for the players, turning the game into a shared experience between the team and its supporters.
The stadium vendors, another unique aspect of Japanese baseball culture, add to the experience. Instead of the traditional hot dogs and nachos you might find in the West, you’ll find bento boxes, ramen, and yakitori being served, not to mention the ever-present beer girls—young women dressed in colorful uniforms carrying kegs on their backs, ready to pour fresh, cold drafts of Japanese beer right at your seat.
A view from my standing area... right in the middle of the action!
Yokohama Stadium: The Heart of the BayStars
Yokohama Stadium, located in Yokohama’s Naka Ward, is a must-visit for any baseball fan. The stadium is iconic, known for its close proximity to the city’s bustling waterfront, with the nearby Yamashita Park and Minato Mirai area offering visitors plenty to explore before or after the game. The stadium itself is relatively small compared to some Western stadiums, holding about 30,000 people, which makes for a more intimate and intense experience.
The standing room section is not for the faint-hearted—expect to stand, chant, and cheer alongside some of the most passionate fans you’ll ever meet. But for those who want an authentic Japanese baseball experience, this is the place to be.
The Standing Room Only Experience: Why You Should Go
If you’re looking to truly experience Japanese baseball, standing room only tickets are the way to go. You’ll find yourself among the most die-hard fans, where every swing of the bat is accompanied by an explosion of cheers, and every pitch feels like the most important moment of the game. It’s not just about watching baseball; it’s about being part of a tradition, a community, and a shared love for the game.
For just $15, you get more than a seat (or, in this case, no seat at all). You get the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with real Japanese fans, experience their passion up close, and maybe even pick up a chant or two. And while navigating the standing area might be a little challenging—crowded with people and buzzing with energy—it’s all part of the experience. If you want a genuine taste of Japanese baseball, this is where you’ll find it.
Commenti