The Rakuten Girls, who liven up the games of the Taiwanese pro baseball team, the Rakuten Monkeys, as their exclusive cheerleaders.When these girls, dressed in matching uniforms, energetically dance, whether it's offense or defense, or even if they're losing, the energy in the audience seats keeps soaring up!Once you experience this festive atmosphere, you might discover a new joy in watching baseball?

On February 11th and 12th, a friendly match between the Rakuten Monkeys and the Chiba Lotte Marines was held in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.The unseasonably warm weather was so surprising that even the locals were amazed. The sun beamed down as if it was the height of summer.Amid such heat, the Rakuten Girls were seen dancing in the front row of the Rakuten Monkeys’ spectator seats, moving to the loud music played by the team’s exclusive DJ.Watching them perform their sharp Dance with beaming smiles, it’s easy to mistake them for a glamorous idol group on stage.Beyond such flamboyance, the players’ serious gameplay overlaps.Such a cheering style, is there a way to enjoy watching baseball like this…!While experiencing culture shock, before I knew it, we, the audience, were all united, watching the outcome of the match together.

I want to know more about the Rakuten Girls.I want to tell the sports fans in Japan.With that in mind, I managed to get some time from their busy schedules to talk to them.The individuals who responded to the interview on this day were Lin Xiang, known as the “Absolute Center,” and Hime, a newcomer who joined last year.Please tell me various things about Rakuten Girls!

Lin Xiang@95_mizuki

“I take dance lessons every week, and if I don’t pass the task given by the teacher in the test the following week, I’m not allowed to participate in the support.”It’s pretty tough, you know (laughs).Even so, because they carefully listen to the dance ideas that each person has thought of, there is a sense of fulfillment.I really enjoy my role as a cheerleader.Naturally, it’s great to cheer everyone up when our team hits a home run or wins a match, but I believe that even when we’re losing, we can still provide the audience and players with a “positive energy”.To everyone in Japan, when you are cheering with us, let’s all do the Rakuten pose (create a V sign with the thumb and index finger of your right hand)!”

Hime@10yuan.0424

“All 14 members each have their own areas of expertise.As I am also active as a YouTuber, I am good at speaking.When it comes to livening up or calming the atmosphere through conversation, I won’t lose to anyone.Lin Xiang is a popular celebrity in Taiwan, well-known even on television shows, and has so many fans that she has released a photo album.The other members also have aspects where they are active as actresses or singers.I believe that the charm of Rakuten Girls lies in the fact that each individual is unique.That being said, I just joined last year, so right now, I’m still learning a lot from my seniors.”

TEXT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)