The Birth and Organization of Cheering Groups
Organized cheering in Japanese professional baseball dates back to the 1950s. Initially, volunteer groups influenced by university cheering culture used drums and flags to lead cheers. In the 1960s, cheering groups based in each team's outfield bleachers became organized, performing unified cheers under the direction of leaders. This organized cheering developed as a uniquely Japanese sports culture, distinguishing it from professional baseball overseas, including MLB. Cheering groups operated as team-sanctioned organizations, playing a significant role in creating the stadium atmosphere through creating cheer songs, unifying cheering patterns, and teaching new fans how to participate.
Trumpet Cheering and the Development of Player-Specific Songs
From the 1970s through the 1980s, instrument-led cheering centered on trumpets dramatically transformed NPB's cheering culture. The Hiroshima Carp's cheering group pioneered the use of trumpets, which subsequently spread to all teams. This period also saw the creation of different cheer songs for each player, and the sight of all fans singing in unison for the batter at the plate became an essential element of NPB games. Iconic team anthems like the Hanshin Tigers' 'Rokko Oroshi' and the Yomiuri Giants' 'Tokon Komete' have been sung across generations. Cheer songs function not merely as vocal support but as communication tools connecting fans and players.
Find NPB cheer song collections on Amazon
Problems with Cheering Groups and Reform
While organized cheering groups were custodians of stadium culture, they also faced various problems. Some groups were linked to organized crime, and conflicts between cheering groups occurred. There was also criticism that cheering groups 'controlled' the outfield bleachers, creating an atmosphere where regular fans could not cheer freely. From the 2000s onward, teams reviewed their relationships with cheering groups and established team-sanctioned cheering rules. Reforms including anti-organized crime clauses, clarification of cheering areas, and measures to encourage general fan participation advanced the normalization of cheering culture. These reforms maintained cheering group culture while creating an environment enjoyable for a broader range of fans.
The New Era of Fan-Led Cheering
From the 2010s onward, NPB's cheering culture underwent a major shift toward fan-led support. The spread of social media enabled cheer song lyrics and choreography to be shared online, making it easier for first-time stadium visitors to participate in cheering. The unique cheering style spontaneously created by Chiba Lotte Marines fans attracted attention beyond team boundaries. During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, vocal cheering was prohibited, giving rise to new forms of support through clapping and towel-waving. When vocal cheering was lifted in 2023, fans' voices returned to stadiums, and the value of cheering culture was reaffirmed. NPB's cheering culture continues to evolve from organization-led to fan-led, and toward a fusion of stadium and digital experiences.
Find cheering trumpets on Amazon