In many ways, the 2008 Japan Series clubs — the Yomiuri Giants and Seibu Lions — are similar. Neither of them are strangers to the Fall Classic. They've been winning thanks to their fierce offensive power, and both managers are young, vigorous leaders.

But the teams' mind-sets were not necessarily identical as they entered Nippon Professional Baseball's championship series.

The Lions, whose players are about four years younger than the Giants' on average, looked more natural and relaxed, on the turf of the Big Egg before Game 1 began.