Oddly enough, every year many professionals and baseball fans have a mandatory stop in Japan . Interestingly, the amateur leagues are as popular as the professional league. There is daily news in the press and television about the matches and advertising occupies prominent places on public transport.
While the uniforms, rules, and fans are reminiscent of those in the United States , the birthplace of baseball, the sport entered the country in 1870 and has grown so strong over the years that, even unofficially, it was adopted as a national sport equaling Sumo in popularity. Since 1950, the 12 Japanese professional teams have divided into two leagues ; Central and Pacific. There are also 2 minor leagues: Western and Eastern, made up of 6 teams each. Central is the most popular league of the 4, mostly due to the Tokyo Giants.
The completion of the Tokyo Dome stadium in 1988 provided players and fans with the first dedicated venue designed to support large crowds (54,000 fans) and long games. With artificial grass, the Dome is also used for many other events. Since the birth of Tokyo Dome, other stadiums have been built in different regions of Japan.
Spring (March) and summer (August) are the times when baseball is most practiced. Parents encourage their children from a very young age to participate in the elementary school leagues where competition is already fierce.