The Rakuten Super Baseball Game, a special event where fans can watch the Tohoku-based Rakuten Eagles play at Tokyo Dome, was held again this year. The stands were vividly colored with the special pink third uniform distributed to the first 30,000 fans to arrive, as a heated battle unfolded and the Eagles celebrated a walk-off victory in the 12th inning with a score of 8-7. Various projects were also carried out inside the stadium. Experiences ranged from interactive booths utilizing the latest AI to the launch of environmentally conscious recycled shopping bags, and even projects that fulfilled fans' dreams. Here's a report on the exciting events of the day!

Digital signage to enhance the special occasion

On the day of the game, giant digital signage installed in various locations around Tokyo Dome displayed visuals announcing the Rakuten Super Baseball Game event. The images featured athletes, including players from the Rakuten Eagles, and the message, “Towards a better future with sports.” The slogan “A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER” caught the attention of visitors. Even before stepping inside the dome, you could sense that today was a special day.

The main gate at Tokyo Dome welcomes the Rakuten Super Baseball Game.

Various digital signs heighten the expectations of the visiting fans.

Large LED screens in the concourse entrance hall greet visitors.

Upon entering the stadium’s concourse, visitors are greeted by a variety of booths designed to entertain them. These initiatives are rooted in two guiding principles championed by the Rakuten Group: “Sports for Everyone,” which aims to create an environment where everyone can enjoy sports in their own way, regardless of gender, age, or disability; and “A Greener Future,” which seeks to create a rich global environment where people can continue to enjoy sports through climate change countermeasures and the efficient use of resources. The venue was bustling with activity from the moment it opened, featuring interactive exhibits and photo opportunities.

Visitors could snap photos with mascot-themed fans and player panels. Ambassadors Ginji Akaminai and Takero Okajima stopped by for a shot.

Recycled shopping bags embody the wishes of fans

At the merchandise shop, recycled shopping bags made of plastic collected from fans at the home opener were sold (see article for details). Many people also contributed to the plastic bag collection boxes set up for the creation of the next shopping bags, creating a positive cycle where fans’ wishes were transformed into cheering goods.

Okajima holds the newly released recycled shopping bag in his hands. Ginji is holding a recyclable plastic bag which will eventually be turned into another shopping bag.

A plastic bag collection box installed in the merchandise shop.

THE NEXT BATTER delighted fans with cutting-edge technology

At THE NEXT BATTER booth, visitors entered their photos, nicknames, and condition, to have AI instantly create an original cheering song for them. They would then hear their name called, walk up to the batter’s box, and watch the pitcher throw his pitch on a monitor. This booth drew a large crowd of fans. What’s more, an original player card with each visitor’s picture and data was printed out on the spot as a special keepsake to remember the day by. Both Ginji and Okajima were surprised by the high level of craftsmanship.

Ambassadors Ginji and Takeo Okajima enter their nicknames and conditions on a tablet.

The virtual footage from the batter’s box is incredibly immersive.

An AI-generated cheering song for Okajima.

The card had each visitor’s photo and data printed on it, making it a one-of-a-kind memento.