Japan Series Features Different Atmosphere Amid Pandemic

Holding a Japan Series in the middle of a pandemic has not resulted in "too many changes on the field." There, the NPB baseball formula is "largely the same -- throw the ball, hit the ball," Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks win. What is missing is the "overall atmosphere of a normal Japanese baseball game." Through three games of this year’s Series, the crack of the bat has been the "only sound more prevalent than the constant reminders to wear masks." Just as players "adjusted to PCR testing and other measures in order to have a season," fans have also had to adapt. Instead of singing during each at-bat during the Japan Series, they’ve "clapped to the rhythm of drums being played in their cheering sections" (JAPAN TIMES, 11/25).