Japanese Preview: Tokyo Yakult Swallows

The Japan blog is live: Chaos and Kanji can be found at http://japanryan.blogspot.com!

The third pack of cards Jim provided from Japan was from this team issue for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows:

 The design is fairly simple, yet different from the 1st Version set issued the same year. This is a 2008 set, which you can tell by looking at the BBM logo at the top and the set name always provided clearly on the front and back.

 Again the design focuses on good action photography. The complete set runs at least 80 cards, but probably isn't larger than 90 cards.

 Speaking of 80 cards, here is card number 80, a subset card which I think features veterans or retired team members.

 The team issue set is just like any other card release - a good-sized base set, plus a few parallels and inserts, including autographs and relics. BBM doesn't overdo the hits like American card sets do, though.

 Each team in NPB gets its own team set release, and some teams receive multiple releases depending on their popularity and any team milestones (making the championship series or winning the championship, or an anniversary year, for instance).

Mascots get their own cards in the set, and even have autographs. Zippy Zappy tells me there are sets devoted entirely to the cheerleaders. I will hunt those down!

Remember earlier this week I told you there was something good at the end of the week? It's only 24 hours away!

Japanese Preview: Rookies!

The Japan blog is live: Chaos and Kanji can be found at http://japanryan.blogspot.com!

The second "pack" of cards from Jim was BBM's version of Bowman.

 This is 2008 BBM Rookie Edition.

 There are two pictures instead of one on these two cards. Notice the 2000 and 2004 dates? These are sort of "retro rookie" cards, and I believe they're numbered later in the set. LaRocca must have played American ball. Through the 2007 season he had a .300 average in NPB, according to the card.

 The real rookies are here with this golden background.

 Unlike the "veteran rookie" cards, these have only one picture, and they all appear to be quick portrait shots.

Again, the set name is prominently yet tastefully displayed on the front, and is also repeated on the back!

By the way, I haven't talked much about the backs or shown you one yet, but they contain mostly Japanese text that I can't read - all English fronts, mostly Japanese backs! Eventually I'll remember to scan a card back, but it won't be this week. Sorry.

While the design of the "1st Version" set I showed yesterday focused on the photo, this set has more of a Playoff or non-flagship Upper Deck feel.

Tomorrow, we'll look at a set that's not really done in the U.S.

Japanese Preview: Cards from Jim!

The Japan blog is live: Chaos and Kanji can be found at http://japanryan.blogspot.com!

I met up with Jim one last time before heading overseas, and after a delicious sausage and a totally awesome slice of banana cream pie, we exchanged our little gifts. I was pleasantly surprised to see some Japanese cards he had from one of his friends!

There were cards from four different issues (I think!) and I'll spread them out set by set over the rest of the week. There's a great ending on Friday!

 This first pack comes from BBM 2008 "1st Version" - which is series one.

 The cards look good. They're photo-focused, with minimal design.

 The only real design is the translucent yellow-orange border across the bottom with the player's name, team, position, jersey number, and the name of the set.

 This team checklist is part of the regular set. There are cheerleaders at Japanese baseball games. I am totally going to Japanese baseball games.

 Notice the green border? Rookies get the green border instead of the yellow-orange border. Of course, it also says "ROOKIE" above the player name.

 The photo quality is about the same as flagship Topps. The cards are a little thinner, but they don't feel cheap by any means.

Another rookie. BBM does a great job of labeling their sets. The "1st Version" on the front also appears on the back. I should have very little problems cataloging BBM cards I find in Japan!

Tune in tomorrow for another Japanese pack!

(Editor's Note: this post is being written while I'm still in San Francisco. Emails and comments this week might receive very slow response.)