Hanshin Tigers top the league for the first time in 18 years... Consulate warns "Be cautious when traveling to Osaka"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Korean travelers in Osaka, Japan, to refrain from visiting Dotonbori due to safety concerns following the victory of the Osaka-based professional baseball team.

On the 14th, the Hanshin Tigers, a Japanese professional baseball team, won the Central League championship for the first time in 18 years.
[Photo by Hanshin Tigers Twitter]

On the 14th, the Hanshin Tigers, a Japanese professional baseball team, won the Central League championship for the first time in 18 years, plunging the Osaka area into a festive atmosphere. Hanshin secured first place in the league by defeating the Yomiuri Giants 4-3 in a game held at 6 p.m. that day.

Hanshin fans have a tradition of celebrating their team's victory by jumping into the Dotonbori canal, a popular tourist spot in Osaka, which has led to numerous safety accidents, prompting local authorities to strengthen safety measures.

In the past, during a New Year's event at the Dotonbori canal, a Korean tourist died after jumping into the water.

Safety Information from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Osaka.
[Photo by Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Osaka]

The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Osaka previously stated on its website on the 11th, "We ask our citizens planning to visit Dotonbori in the evening this week to travel safely by visiting during daytime hours or choosing other areas."

Hanshin finished with a record of 80 wins, 4 draws, and 44 losses, claiming the Central League championship for the first time in 18 years. As a Kansai region baseball team, Hanshin is extremely popular, boasting the highest average attendance per game last year among Japanese teams at 36,370 spectators. However, despite its popularity, the team had been considered far from winning championships due to its performance.

This year, Hanshin maintained a steady upward trend with good results. After the second-place Hiroshima team (68 wins, 4 draws, 59 losses) lost, Hanshin's magic number was reduced to 1, and on the 14th, they secured the league championship at their home stadium by defeating their rival Yomiuri. Hanshin has won the Central League championship five times (1962, 1964, 1985, 2003, 2005).

The Osaka city authorities have been strengthening security measures in anticipation of Hanshin's championship confirmation. A city official stated that about 1,300 personnel were deployed to control traffic around the Dotonbori canal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.