In a blend of tradition and spirituality, a mound of salt was placed in front of the Chunichi Dragons' bench, a common practice in Japan's baseball league. The ritual, associated with the age-old Shinto practice of spiritual purification, is believed to purge any negative energy or bad luck before an important game. The timing, place and specifics of the ceremony were not detailed, but it's an insight into how cultural traditions influence even modern pastimes like sport in Japan.

In Japan, Shinto rituals have been integrated into numerous aspects of daily life, and sport events are no exception. Rituals such as the 'purifying salt' hold significant cultural relevance and are respected by practitioners and spectators alike. They have become a unique part of the Japanese baseball experience, setting it apart from the sport as it is played internationally.

In the US or EU, sports rituals can also be quite prevalent and diverse, but they are usually more secular and fandom-based. There are mascot performances, specific chants, and team traditions that vary from team to team. There's rarely any religious or deeply spiritual practice directly connected to the sports events themselves, unlike in Japan where Shinto practices play an integral part.