While I was flying from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to Fukuoka for the Pacific League Climax Series final stage last week, a thought occurred to me. What if the Wright Brothers could come back and take a similar flight today? What would they think of the advances made in aviation since they made that first brief bicycle-powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, 108 years ago next month?

Wilbur and Orville would surely be surprised — and pleased, no doubt — to see a couple hundred passengers flying between two cities 900 km apart in less than two hours in a jumbo jet equipped with compartments for baggage, restrooms, stereo music and videos with drinks being served. I don't think they would have believed it.

Those who recall what professional baseball was like in the city of Fukuoka, say, 40 years ago, may also be amazed while watching a game these days in that northern Kyushu town. The changes have been dramatic as the city developed, and the home team has become one of the best sports franchises in the world.