From T-Ray’s Daily Sports Column (Japanese) デイリースポーツ のコラムはこちら
Summer has really hit hard the last few days here in Kansai. It’s hot, but more importantly, the Tigers have gotten hot, too! Those June Tigers (2-8 record on the month) appear to have vanished, and it’s a ton of fun watching them win a lot of games these days!
Of course, it’s easy to say that when watching from the comfort of an air-conditioned living room. The heat at Koshien can be quite unbearable at times, and by the time you are leaving the ballpark, win or lose, you’re a hot, sweaty mess. I went to the park last Tuesday, and thankfully it was not too hot on that day, but by the time the Tigers are back home on July 31, you’re going to wish you could stay a little cooler. The 5000-fan limit will go a ways towards that (less body heat around you), but still…
You’re probably going to want to consider getting your hands on one of these, because watching baseball at Koshien in the summer has never felt so good. You may have seen these vests on construction sites, but ever seen a Tigers-themed one before? I hadn’t either, until I met Mr. Shimosakamoto, sales rep for San Ai, before the game.
The company was founded nearly 50 years ago in Okayama Prefecture by the three Mikuni brothers, and now his sons work for the company, too. The name comes from their love (ai) of three (san) things: their products, people, and the community. As they continue to find innovative ways of creating new items, such as clothes made from recycled materials, they prove through their love for the environment that San Ai is not just a name: it’s a motto.
So these must-have items that construction workers use on the job to stay cool and keep their energy levels up, is now available for baseball fans. Currently, the product is only available in Japan and only in Tigers colours (home pinstripes, as pictured, pink pinstripes, and grey gradation), but if things go well, the company is looking to make connections with more ball clubs, soccer clubs, rugby teams, and more, in the future. The battery lasts up to six hours, so you can easily stay cool the entire game, even if it goes extras!
Apparently the vests have been around for over 20 years, but it is only in recent years that technological developments have made them really functional and a must-own item. The grey one could easily be worn anytime anywhere, as there are just subtle references to the team on it. The home version might be best for ballpark usage only, but obviously, that’s up to you.
Mr. Shimosakamoto has been a Tigers fan for years, and recommends inflating yourself at games, seeing as how COVID-19 has stopped us from inflating balloons. What do you say? If you are going to Koshien this summer, stop by Tigers Shop Toratora and try one on. You’ll feel so good that you might find yourself leaving the store with the vest on your back and your wallet a little lighter! But don’t worry – it will be the best money you spend that day, even if the Tigers win the game for you!