From Tokyo Baseball to a Perth Footy Obsession: My Life in Sports

 I grew up in Japan, and my childhood was defined by one thing: baseball. The big team was the Tokyo Giants, and my father was a huge supporter. I remember hating it when he would get angry watching them lose. It seemed like a lot of frustration over a game.

But then I grew up. And just like they say, "Blood is thicker than water." Soon, I was yelling at the TV just like him.

Touching Down in Australia: What is This Football?

I came to Perth, Australia, about 29 years ago. I looked for baseball, but here in WA, it’s not the massive obsession it was back home (though the Perth Heat exists!).

My path changed when my old share-house owner introduced me to Aussie Rules Football (AFL). I was so confused at first—"Football? Why do they use their hands? Why is the ball shaped like that?"

But once I understood the rules, I realized how exciting it is. The chaos and the incredible athleticism hooked me. Soon enough, I became a passionate supporter of the West Coast Eagles.

The Price of Loyalty

My commitment to the Eagles runs deep. I am not just a casual viewer!

My love for the Eagles isn't just about shouting at the TV in Perth. Before COVID changed the world, I flew all the way to Melbourne—three times!—to watch my boys play at the legendary MCG by myself. Standing in that massive stadium alone, surrounded by thousands of fans, was an incredible experience.

I’ve spent a lot of money, too! I have keychains, hoodies, polo shirts (my uniform!), and I even have a house key cut with the West Coast Eagles logo on it. I literally carry the team with me every day.

These days, I often go to a sports bar with a friend to watch the games on the big screen, but when the game is close, I get so nervous and restless that I physically cannot sit down. I’m too anxious! I stand up, I pace around, and my temper starts rising if the boys miss a goal. My friend is usually sitting calmly, while I am doing laps around the table.

The Wooden Spoon and the Lotto Dream

This past season was tough. My boys were no good at all—they finished right at the bottom of the ladder. 😡 It makes me upset and angry, but no matter how they play, my feeling never changes. I am an Eagle for life, and I really hope next year they will finally be good again!

If I ever win the Lotto, the first thing I am going to do is paint a massive West Coast Eagles logo right on the wall of my house. That’s how much I love them!

The Cricket Confession: Why I Cheer for the Visitors

My biggest surprise has been cricket. When I first saw a Test Match, I thought it was way too long and boring. But a few years ago, I got into it—the Big Bash, the long Tests—and now it’s just like that old song says: "I don't like cricket... I love it!"

The summer of cricket has just begun here in Perth, but I have a big confession to make. I don't support Australia! I support the visiting team, particularly the Indian team.

It started randomly. My phone is an Oppo, and they used to sponsor the Indian team. Plus, I somehow knew the name of the great Sachin Tendulkar. Now, my favorite player to watch is the fierce Virat Kohli.

I love being a bit of a rebel against the locals, but mostly, I admire the visiting team's passion. If I could go back and be young again, I would definitely learn and play cricket. I love the game's intensity too much to just watch!

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🎨 The Reader Bridge

After all that yelling and pacing during the footy, I have enough energy to go back to my studio and paint! What non-art passions fuel your creativity?

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Thank you for dropping by. 

The Wild Palette by MM