"Curious George" comes to Belluna Dome! Following on from last year, he interacts with fans at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi

Pacific League Insight Mayuko Goto

2025.5.10(土) 17:30

Saitama Seibu Lions player Ryosuke Kodama (left) and Curious George (right) ©︎PLM
Saitama Seibu Lions player Ryosuke Kodama (left) and Curious George (right) ©︎PLM

On Monday, May 5th (national holiday), Curious George visited Belluna Dome to commemorate the release of collaboration goods between "Curious George" and the six Pacific League teams. The same day was during the "Family Festa" period, so the venue was bustling with many families. This time, we will bring you a look at the event held at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi on Saturday, May 3rd (national holiday), along with a look at the energetic George!

This is our second visit to Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi following our visit last year!

To commemorate the release of the collaboration goods, George, who has been touring various baseball stadiums, visited Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi on Saturday, May 3rd (national holiday). This was George's second visit to the Sendai stadium, following his visit last year. This year too, he appeared all over the stadium, livening up the event.

The special tent, which was lined with collaboration goods, was constantly packed with fans, creating a lively atmosphere. A photo session was also held before the match.

A special tent filled with collaboration goods ©PLM
A special tent filled with collaboration goods ©PLM

George practiced pitch with Masaru Fujii pitcher in preparation for the ceremonial pitch, and on the field before the game, he danced to the theme song of "Curious George" anime TV with the children attending the Rakuten Eagles cheer dance school.

In addition, at Smile Glico Park, a screening of the anime "Curious George" was held, and a booth was set up where people could paint the collaboration coloring pages distributed at the stadium on the spot. There were many children who enjoyed coloring by making the most of their individuality.

©PLM
©PLM
Collaborative coloring books distributed at each stadium ©PLM
Collaborative coloring books distributed at each stadium ©PLM

Moving to the main square, George greeted the fans who had packed the stadium. George had many memories in Sendai.

George giving a greeting ©PLM
George giving a greeting ©PLM

Meet "Curious George" fan Ryosuke Kodama! The merchandise shop was also a big success

George's next stop was Belluna Dome. On Monday, May 5th (national holiday), as the doors opened, a large crowd gathered at The Lions Team Store Flags, looking for the collaboration goods between "Curious George" and the six Pacific League League teams, which went on sale that day. Many children ran up to the display shelves with big smiles on their faces, shouting "It's George!" as soon as they saw the collaboration goods lined up just inside the first floor entrance, and fans were constantly gathering in front of the display shelves.

The Lions Team Store Flags lined with collaboration goods ©PLM
The Lions Team Store Flags lined with collaboration goods ©PLM

After ground, George met with Ryosuke Kodama, a player who is called "George" by his teammates and is a self-proclaimed fan of the series. George looked very happy when Hiyu Motoyama said, "I used to watch it a lot when I was little!"

Saitama Seibu Lions player Ryosuke Kodama (left) and Curious George (right) ©︎PLM
Saitama Seibu Lions player Ryosuke Kodama (left) and Curious George (right) ©︎PLM

Next, we will practice pitch in the bullpen in preparation for the ceremonial pitch. George, who was excited for the strike pitch, seemed to have a great response on the first pitch, and then threw about 15 pitches with excitement.

George practicing pitch in bullpen ©PLM
George practicing pitch in bullpen ©PLM

Just before the start of the game, the ceremonial pitch will finally begin. pitch George, who had been throwing well in practice, showed his competitive strength even in the tense mound! His stunning no-bounce pitch was met with loud applause from the stadium, and George responded by waving his hands wildly.

George pitching a no-bounce pitch ©PLM
George pitching a no-bounce pitch ©PLM
George receives the ball with both hands from catcher Ryosuke Kodama ©PLM
George receives the ball with both hands from catcher Ryosuke Kodama ©PLM

A photo session was held for those who purchased collaboration goods on Stage L. Participants had the chance to show off the collaboration goods they had purchased that day to George, talk to him, and enjoy interacting with him to their heart's content.

©PLM
©PLM

After the photo session, George gave a greeting at the front of the stage, deepening his interaction with his fans.

George giving a greeting ©PLM
George giving a greeting ©PLM

Finally, George appeared at The Lions Lucky Seven after the top of the seventh inning. He cheered on the team by clapping along to the team's cheer song, "Roar The Lions." Unfortunately, Saitama Seibu lost the game 0-2, but George left Belluna Dome satisfied with having interacted with fans of all ages and genders.

George appearing in The Lions Lucky Seven ©PLM
George appearing in The Lions Lucky Seven ©PLM

George's next visit will be to ES CON FIELD on Sunday, May 11th. Be sure to wear your collaboration goods and come meet the energetic George.

Interview and text by Mayuko Goto

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"Curious George" comes to Belluna Dome! Following on from last year, he interacts with fans at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi

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