Japanese baseball legend, Koshi Inaba, displayed a stunning example of his signature move, the 'touch', ahead of a game with the Czech Republic. This was received with much admiration and anticipation by fans and team members. The time and venue of this pre-match ritual hint at the increased tension before what promises to be a closely contested match.

In Japan, baseball is more than just a game - it's a major part of the country's culture and tradition. Spectators greatly value the display of skill, respect for opponents, and pre-game rituals, such as the one performed by Inaba. His display showcases these values and adds to the anticipation ahead of the international match.

In the US, pre-game rituals vary by sport but are widely embraced as a way of building team spirit and fan excitement. This could be likened to American football players entering the field in a cloud of smoke or basketball players doing their signature warm-up shots. EU sports traditions also have pre-match rituals but focus more on team introductions and national anthems.