Eerie silence as baseball begins in Japan

TOKYO Opening Day at the 55,000 capacity Tokyo Dome, home of Japan’s most successful and popular baseball team — the Yomiuri Giants — is usually a raucous, festive affair, but this year the season began on Friday in almost total silence.

Nippon Professional Baseball, the second biggest baseball league in the world, began on Friday, but without fans in stadiums following a three-month delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As the Giants’ season opener began against their fierce rivals, the Hanshin Tigers — usually the hottest ticket in town — a few lonely fans wandered outside in the rain outside the dome, unable to see their heroes in action.

Inside, the shouts of coaches, usually drowned out by boisterous fans, echoed around the dome and above seats adorned with orange Giants jerseys.

Banter from the dugout could also be heard along with the occasional drone from the commentators’ box.

The crack of bat on ball is a welcome sound for fans watching on television, at least. The NPB is hopeful of welcoming a limited number of fans back into stadiums later in the season if Japan further eases coronavirus restrictions.

Before the game, players were introduced and the national anthem was played in a low-key ceremony.

Reigning champions the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks hosted a dance party between innings involving robots, cheerleaders and fans dancing at home.

A limited number of media could attend the game at the Tokyo Dome, but only after recording their movements and temperature for 10 days leading up to the game and then having their temperature taken again upon entry.

To complete the season, the campaign has been reduced to 120 regular-season games per team, while the playoffs have also been shortened.