Misa Edito:
The FIVB World Cup came to Japan in 2006. As Germain was a volleyball player- once upon a time- and I used to watch it with my mom, we figured we'd check it out. We went out to Saitama to see the first round of the finals. It was surprising to see how many foreigners came to support their country. A concentrated group of Poland supporters put all others to shame as they cheered for their home country in the first match (Poland v. Argentina). With the final buzz, Poland left with a victory (3-0) and the supporters left an empty space in the arena. The second match (Egypt v. Puerto Rico) although quieter (number of supporters and cheering), was much more interesting. The game was faster and the teams closer in skill and strategy. Egypt won 3-2, but it felt as though the game was just a time-filler for the final match of the day: Japan v. China. The arena became packed; the energy- infectious; and the wave- perfect, without break! And it wouldn't be Japan if there weren't cute mascots running around and air-clappers encouraging the home-team. And then there were the cheerleaders... they found some more like those from back home, less like the prissy semi-dancers that are usually present. But for all this encouragement, sadly, Japan lost 2-3. Maybe next time...
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