Episode 13 - Take Me Out to the Shiai

In this episode of the History of Japan podcast, the host delves into the unexpected yet significant story of baseball's rise in Japan during the Meiji period. The episode explores how baseball, initially introduced by Americans, became a symbol of Japanese nationalism and a source of national pride. The host recounts the underdog story of Tokyo Ichiko, a high school team, that defeated American teams, leading to baseball's widespread popularity and its integration into Japanese culture, highlighting the sport's connection to the concept of "new Bushido" and its role in shaping Japan's identity on the world stage.