The Yomiuri Giants, often referred to as the "New York Yankees of Japan," are a cornerstone of Japanese professional baseball. Established in 1934, the Giants were the first professional baseball team in Japan, setting the stage for the formation of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Over the decades, they have been synonymous with excellence, boasting 39 Central League championships and 22 Japan Series titles—the most in the league's history. The team has also been home to some of Japan’s greatest players, including Sadaharu Oh, who holds the record for career home runs in the NPB, and Shigeo Nagashima, an iconic player and manager. The Giants have long been a symbol of national pride and a key driver of baseball's popularity in Japan.
To celebrate their 90th anniversary and a triumphant 2024 season, the Yomiuri Giants will host a spectacular drone show at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo on December 26th. The event will feature 400 drones illuminating the night sky with animations depicting key moments from the Giants’ season. From manager Abe Shinnosuke’s impressive debut year to standout performances by star players Kazuma Okamoto and Shosei Togo, the show promises a visual celebration of the team's achievements.
In addition, Tokyo Tower will be lit up in the Giants' signature colors, adding a stunning backdrop to the event.
This 15 minute drone show not only marks the team's milestone anniversary, but serves as a tribute to the fans who have supported the Giants over the decades. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed live on GIANTS TV, ensuring that fans across Japan can join the celebration.
*Please note, GIANTS TV can only be accessed from Japan IP addresses.
Getting there
Zojoji Temple is located a five minute walk from Tokyo Tower. The closest stations are either Shibakoen or Onarimon, on the Toei Mita Line. Both stations are around seven minutes on foot away from the temple itself.
More info
Find out more about Zojoji Temple.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
