No Wave...No Way!

No Wave...No Way!
Originally uploaded by mtstaffa.

Well, last year i went to a pro baseball game here in Japan. The Hanshin Tigers. While i was there a few of us Americans tried to start the Wave at the stadium. We were surprised to see a large security detail surround our area and with arms crossed tell us to stop. I spent a year not knowing why.

Then the other day i went back to the pro stadium to watch a new season. As i was walking to my seat with Hide my Japanese friend, we saw this sign. WHAT! No wave?! So we decided to pose and take a picture.

I still don't know why we can't do a wave. The games here are crazy. Every player has their own chant and dance (like the macarana). There is nonstop cheering. But why no wave? Apparently it is something that cannot be controlled, and so, the Japanese ban it. There are cheer-leaders. Guys with whistles that start and stop the cheers and everyone followes it to the T. So i guess they get nervous when some Yanks try to control the crowd.

On the baseball news, i have just joined a competative baseball team here. I am now playing for the Osaka Hitension. (that is the Japanese spelling of "High Tension"). Whatever that means i dont know. I have my first practice on Sunday!