YOKOHAMA, JAPAN — Players in helmets and shoulder pads rush the field and huddle around their captains. Cheerleaders with wide smiles and tear-off pants dance to Fall Out Boy. "Let's go Silver Star!" one shouts into a microphone with a pink bow.
For a moment, it feels like a fall football weekend just about anywhere in America.
The reality is 90 percent of Yokohoma Stadium's bright orange seats are empty. The fans who are here to see the Asahi Beer Silver Star and Panasonic Impulse teams play are eating ramen noodles and steamed dumplings. Without a locker room, players store their luggage on the sidelines.