I knew I was on my way to a special Japan Series Saturday when several people on my jam-packed Japan Airlines flight were wearing Hanshin Tigers jerseys. There was one Hiyama 24, a couple of Imaoka 7s and several Igawa 29s.
The Series atmosphere became more apparent during the cab ride from Fukuoka Airport to my downtown hotel.
The city was bedecked with pennants bearing the Daiei Hawks logo, and vendors selling Hanshin Tigers goods were all over the streets.