The Hanshin Tigers are on the verge of their first regular season title in 18 years. Osaka is already buzzing.
Hanshin defeated the Yomiuri Giants 4-0 on March 13 at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. With the Hiroshima Toyokapp losing to the Yakult Swallows on the same day, Hanshin’s magic number was reduced to “1”.
A first Central League title in 18 years is imminent. As the championship draws nearer, Osaka city and the entire Kansai region are already in a festive mood. If Hanshin wins or Hiroshima loses on Thursday, the magic number will be erased and Hanshin’s title will be confirmed.
According to Japan’s Daily Sports, “Koshien Stadium is already in a festive mood before the game. Limited-edition merchandise is already on sale, and there are booths for fans to take photos. Fans are flocking to the area around Koshien Stadium,” said the site.
But there are also safety concerns. Hanshin has some of the most passionate fans in Japan. The most popular team in Nippon Professional Baseball is the Tokyo-based Yomiuri Giants, followed by the Hanshin Tigers. But the Kansai region’s support for Hanshin is unimaginable. In the past, whenever Hanshin has won a championship, there have been several safety incidents due to fans jumping into the Dotonbori River in downtown Osaka.안전놀이터
If Hanshin wins the regular season title for the first time in 18 years, there will be many safety concerns. The Osaka local police are already on edge. The Hanshin team also posted a statement on their official social media account, saying, “Throwing items such as supporters’ items and paper tape at Koshien Stadium is strictly prohibited as it interferes with the game. Please refrain from doing so,” and “After the game at Koshien Stadium on the 14th, there will be a lot of congestion in and around the stadium. Business hours of shops inside the stadium, including the team store, may vary.”
In addition, some stores in Osaka city have said, “If Hanshin wins the championship, we will temporarily suspend business for the safety of our employees. We are not sure when we will resume business.”
Osaka is a top travel destination for Koreans, not just those of Korean descent. The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Osaka also issued a notice saying, “In anticipation of Hanshin’s victory, Japanese police authorities have warned that crowds in Dotonbori may become overwhelming on the day of the baseball team’s victory, resulting in various safety and crowd incidents.” “We recommend that Korean nationals planning to visit Dotonbori visit during daytime hours or in other areas if possible.”