Soccer & Baseball

We finally got to see a J-league soccer match in Japan! The K family, whom we knew through the kid's club, invited us to join them for a family outing to catch the game between FC Tokyo and Kashima Antlers (current league leaders). The match was held in FC Tokyo's home ground Ajinomoto stadium and the atmosphere there was electrifying. One could sense the charged up excitement of the fans from both camps. We were treated to a feast of goals that day. FC Tokyo beat last season's defending champions 3-2. Anyway, we were glad to have gone to at least one J-league match while getting to spend some time with the K family.

Kashima Antlers are still at the top of the J-league table, but there are only 3 more matches to play, with only 3 points separating the top 6 teams, setting the scene for a climatic finish.


On the baseball front, our local team, the Saitama Seibu Lions clinched the 2008 Japan series title after beating the Yoimuri Giants in a fiercely contested best of 7 series (Lions:4, Giants:3). Last night, the Lions came from behind to win the final game 3-2 to win the series.

In Tokorozawa (where the Seibu company HQ is based), banners were put up everywhere, and the Seibu shopping mall near our home is having a sale to celebrate the Lions' achievement. Although we do not know a whole lot about baseball, it is nice nevertheless to see our local team win the championship.