Go! Go! Swallows

& outside the Tokyo "Series" Dome

My first game of the 2025 season at Meiji Jingu Stadium is in the books.

Howdy Howdy,

It’s not quite baseball season just yet, but there was still plenty of fun to be had in Tokyo this past week. To start, the Yakult Swallows (my favorite team in Japan) opened their first home game of 2025 with an exhibition match againist the Orix Buffalos.

*Side note….most of the teams in Japan are named after corporate sponsors. Hence the Yakult Swallows (lil milky type drink company) & Orix Buffalos (rental car company).

Entering the gate 7 entrance of Meiji Jingu Stadium, you are welcomed with blow up versions of Tsubakuro (the Swallows mascot).

Gacha Gacha (lil vending type machine) of Tsubakuro. His sign reads “my chaser is beer.” He likes to drink. Cost ¥200 or about $1.34. He lives on the strap of my bag now and forever.

Meiji Jingu is the complete opposite of the Tokyo Dome. In my opinion, it’s the CitiField of Tokyo. It’s full of character, the fans are all so excitable and welcoming, ticket prices are very reasonable, and it’s an outdoors ballpark. Heaven desu.

Meiji Jingu is currently in talks to be demolished for a redevelopment plan though, but I’m hoping it stays forever. It’s a favorite of famous author Haruki Murakami, and Babe Ruth has played there too. I’m a sucker for keeping the history of ballparks alive and Meiji Jingu is still totally livable and comfortable. I don’t think I could have said that of Shea Stadium… (Mets fans, you know you agree deep down too)

American baseball player Babe Ruth hits a home run during his tour of Japan at the Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo, in 1934. New York Times Co./Getty Images…I didn’t write this caption. I would have said, “look, here’s Babe Ruth at Meiji Jingu Stadium like I said.”

Babe Ruth visiting Japan in 1934. There is a ton of history (and scandal) around his visit, and I recommend a deep dive. “Hello, Google!”

It was a great day for a ball game, and every thing Meiji Jingu had to offer, delivered. Wish I partook in the Tsubakuro menu though. Will have to sample next visit.

Sat in the home section on the first base side. It’s was fairly empty, and much more comfortable compared to my visit at the Tokyo Dome. The 1:00 PM (13:00) start time probably helped with the attendance.

Seats in my section.

How my drawing started…

All done.

The game was great! The Swallows hit a HomeRun, and won with a score of 6 - 1. Looking forward to my next game.

I asked the beer girl for a selfie and she politely told me, “No.”

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Tokyo Series! (Kinda, sorta)

Outside the Tokyo Dome for the first exhibition match between the Cubs and Tigers. Cute.

Man, I tried and tried to get tickets for any of the games but it was tough. Everything sold out instantly, and secondary market tickets were going for thousands of dollars.

Get outta here StubHub.

No worries though, I throughly enjoyed my time visiting outside. Saw tons of people clamoring around signs and displays, and felt some of the energy for free (my favorite price).

Selfie city.

Incase you thought I was lying.

This folds up to make a noise maker. Slap, slap.

Hope you are enjoying the start of this baseball season and get ready for plenty more drawings from Tokyo.

Thanks for reading :)

Herm