NISHINOMIYA, Hyogo Pref. -- One of the new elements in this year's Japan Series is the "Public Viewing." While games are being played in Fukuoka Dome, fans of the Hanshin Tigers gather at Koshien Stadium, all decked out in their oendan (cheering group) garb.
They pay for tickets, sit in the stands, eat bento (box lunches) and drink beer while rooting their heads off watching the game on the big center field scoreboard screen, almost as if they were at the game. Sort of.
When the action is at Koshien, backers of the Daiei Hawks congregate at Fukuoka Dome for their own "public viewing." The fans have fun; it's a great show of solidarity.