Hanshin Tigers Fans: Taking the "White" out of "White Trash"

Who knew that White Trash didn't have to be white? Apparently it can be yellow, too... though Yellow Trash sounds a lot grimier. The number of people at Koshien stadium who looked like they were still living in their mother's trailer/basement was mind-blowing.

If you don't believe me, take a look at this picture. Take note that the Hanshin Tiger "H" shaved in the back of the center dude's head tapers off into a Rat Tail. Also, though you can't see in the picture, both of the guys (and possibly the girl) have mustaches, which alone makes anyone eligible for White Trash status... except maybe for Burt Reynolds or anyone who owns Magnum PI status.

The good news: like all other Japanese people, the Yellow-White Trash looking people were incredibly friendly and inviting.

Koshien is an incredible place to watch a baseball game. It was built originally to hold the finals of the annual high school baseball tournament held every year, so the capacity isn't near the size of, say, Fenway Park. The crowds at Japanese baseball games are raucous, as well. It's like everyone is a cheerleader, but a little drunk and with crazy costumes and plastic noise-making bats. There's a song and cheer for every player. Instead of the Seventh-Inning Stretch, everyone blows up a sperm-shaped balloon (the likeness is really uncanny) and launches them in the air at once, filling the stadium. It must be to encourage procreation, since the declining birth rate is considered a national problem in Japan.