Ridiculous History
CLASSIC: Japan, Baseball and the Curse of the Colonel
Aug 24, 2024
Discover the quirky bond between Kentucky Fried Chicken and Japanese baseball fans, highlighted by the humorous Curse of the Colonel. Explore the deep cultural significance of baseball in Japan, where unique traditions and playful celebrations thrive. Learn about the bizarre incident involving a Colonel Sanders statue mistaken for a missing player and the superstitions that surround it. Delight in anecdotes of remarkable players and the nostalgic quirks of Japanese fandom, along with intriguing nighttime superstitions and rituals.
37:53
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Quick takeaways
- The exuberant celebrations of Hanshin Tigers fans revealed a cultural paradox, as their drunken revelry clashed with traditional Japanese restraint and decorum.
- The marketing success of KFC in Japan highlights the unique fusion of modern consumerism and cultural adaptation during the Christmas season.
Deep dives
The Hanshin Tigers' Championship Celebration
In 1985, the Hanshin Tigers celebrated their victory in the Japan Championship Series, triggering a wild revelry among their fans. This exuberance challenged common perceptions of Japanese cultural restraint, as fans engaged in boisterous, drunken celebrations, even jumping off the Ebisu Bashi bridge into the polluted Dotonbori River. They yelled the names of players, diving in when their favorites were called, creating a spontaneous and ritualistic atmosphere. However, this exuberance led to unforeseen consequences when the name of American player Randy Bass was called, revealing the peculiar demands of their celebratory tradition.
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