If you haven't noticed, the most popular sports in sports-zany Japan are imports. Homegrown offerings — sumo, judo, karate and so on — rank more like your mom's oatmeal cookies.

Nostalgic and flavorful too. Yet out on the town lie far more exotic desserts. Like maybe . . . hot caramel banana soufflé. Or flaming peaches with almonds.

As good an illustration as any to explain Japan's abundant passion for overseas sports. Sports such as tennis, figure skating, bowling, croquet and more.