Question from a Reader:
It seems that His Majesty the Emperor does not watch professional baseball or sumo. Could it be that he is not very interested in them?
Behind the Scenes of the Emperor’s Sports Viewing
Recently, I heard some insights about why His Majesty the Emperor does not watch professional baseball or sumo. While it’s true that we don’t
often see him attending these events, there are various circumstances behind this. As a sports enthusiast myself, I found it quite intriguing.
The Showa Emperor and Baseball
I knew that Emperor Showa was a fan of the Giants, but it’s pretty charming to learn that there are actual photos of him wearing a baseball cap. During that era, it might have been a principle not to openly support any particular team in order to maintain fairness. I can relate to this feeling, as I sometimes avoid expressing support for a specific team when discussing sports with friends.
The Joy of Watching Sumo
Regarding sumo, it’s truly unfortunate that watching it became difficult due to the impact of COVID-19. I heard that during the first tournament in 2020, His Majesty watched the matches at the Kokugikan, and it’s heartwarming to know that Princess Aiko was there with him. When I go to watch sports with my family and see the joy on my child’s face, it really lifts my spirits. Even for us regular folks, the sense of togetherness and excitement we feel while watching sports is exceptional. I believe that His Majesty also has a desire to enjoy those moments.
Anticipating the Resumption
As things settle down with COVID, we might see the resumption of royal matches again. I’m already feeling excited about this prospect. I particularly look forward to the joy of watching games with my family and experiencing the atmosphere of the stadium. I’d love to hear about your memories of watching sports or your favorite teams! Please share the moments that brought you joy, as I am eager to hear your stories as well.
