Join us as author and noted expert on Japanese baseball Robert Whiting (The Chrysanthemum and the Bat, You Gotta Have Wa, The Meaning of Ichiro) talks about the history of Tokyo’s beloved Jingu Stadium.

Built in 1926, Jingu Stadium is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in Japan and has a history that parallels the development of baseball in Japan.

Robert will start by sharing how Japanese turned baseball into a martial art, and how Babe Ruth’s visit to play there in 1934 was opposed by those who felt that foreign professional players, who - gasp! – received money to play, would sully the spirit of the place.

During WWII the stadium was used as a grenade training ground and was the venue for the first baseball game after the war.

Robert will then take us through the early 60s when pro teams began to play there and share some of his personal experiences watching games there.

This presentation will be a rare treat for anyone who is interested in the history of baseball in Japan, and a special chance to hear from one of its foremost chroniclers.

Jingu Stadium is currently threatened with destruction due to an ill-conceived redevelopment plan that citizens are fighting to reverse. After hearing this presentation you’ll understand better why Jingu Gaien is a special place that needs to be preserved.

This online presentation will be conducted in English.

Sunday September 18th, 10-11 am Japan time

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g6IasByGSOS6OBVAjj93xA