Atsunori Inaba may have been Japan's most popular player among foreign fans during the 2013 World Baseball Classic. The quadrennial competition doesn't just bring 16 nations together, it allows the baseball cultures of various nations to come together. Prominent among these is Japan's ouendan.
One of Inaba's ouenka (cheer song) is among the most well-known in Japan, if not the most well known. The "Inaba Jump," as it's known, usually comes out when Inaba comes up with a runner in scoring position. At that time, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters fans will jump up and down and sing a melody along with the trumpets some supporters blow.
It's a sight to behold upwards of 30,000 people bouncing in unison. Sapporo Dome vibrates to the rhythm of their bouncing underneath your feet, while fans at home see the picture on their television bounce wildly.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.