The Happinets hosted a fan event at a big Aeon mall in Omagori City, which is located about an hour southeast of Akita City. (Oddly enough most malls in Japan are called Aeon, I am still not sure why that is.) The event took place right in the middle courtyard, where all fans gathered to meet the team. I have to admit, it was very neat to see! There must have been a couple hundred people there all patiently waiting to hear the players talk, shake their hands and get their autographs.
There was a huge blue mat laid out on the floor where some fans were sitting. The fans occupying the mat all had their shoes off! Very interesting, you would never see that in the States or anywhere in Europe. Other fans and curious onlookers occupied the sides as well as the upper atrium of the mall.
The first part of the program was hosted by the cheerleaders, who introduced the fans to what I like to call, the "towel cheer." In the second half of every home game all the fans take out their pink Happinets towels and do a chorographed cheer. Check it out! I love the music and hope to learn the cheer at the upcoming home game.
After the whole team came out, each player introduction himself and talked a little about their intentions for the 2012-2013 season. Most players mentioned that their goal was to bring the championship to Akita this season. Wooohoo! Bring it, please! Then all the players paired up with a fan to do a free throw contest. Check out Dan and his partner square off against Anthony Kent and his partner.
Dan said he didn't want to cheat and use the backboard....haha! Sure, sure...I am sure that was the case because he is great at free throws. ;) While the contest continued I snuck off to go to Kaldi Farms, an international store, to buy a $100 worth of salsa, jalepenos, canned beans, tortillas, and hot sauce. Yum! Have I mentioned how much we love Mexican food and miss it when we live abroad?! Overall, the event Aeon in Omagari City was absolutely great and we were both very thankful we could be apart of it. Go Go Happinets!