NAGOYA — It isn't too difficult to imagine how much of a privilege it is to play in a Japan Series.

And, of course, the stadiums are jam-packed, including more reporters and TV cameras on the field and in the press box than during a typical regular-season game.

But the players may not be as fired up as the fans and media. As a matter of fact, most of the players for this year's Japan Series participants — the Chunichi Dragons and Chiba Lotte Marines — appeared just as relaxed as they were during the regular season.