May 2019: Maiko Kanako (Kawahisa Okiya) of Miyagawacho throwing the first pitch during a baseball game at the Koshei Stadium.

It’s a tradition for a Maiko or Geiko from Miyagawacho to throw the first pitch during a Hanshin Tigers baseball game once a year! Last year, now retired Geiko Kimihiro was chosen to do it.

Don’t get confused by Kanako’s kanzashi by the way: She’s wearing her January kanzashi because it features lucky motifs and a small Hanshin Tigers flag is pinned to it!

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, alongside Sumo, Judo and soccer. They have a unique tradition when it comes to throwing first pitches: The batter is supposed to swing and miss the ball on purpose!

Source: Spoon & Tamago on Instagram