Japan’s X-League Spring Pearl Bowl Tournament Underway

Photographer/reporter John Gunning, attended a wonderful Sunday of American football in Japan as the X League annual Pearl Bowl tournament was in full swing.

The exhibition tournament pits the best teams from Eastern and Central Japan. Viewed as preseason contests, these games give coaches an opportunity to evaluate players in preparation for the X League regular season in the fall.

Sunday’s match-ups featured last year’s finalists, the Futjitsu Frontiers, facing the Lixil Deers in one game while the Nojima Sagamihara Rise took on the Asahi Beer Silver Star in the late game.

The games were well attended with all the atmosphere fans could ask for.

The packed stands and wonderful spring weather truly added to the football atmosphere. Look for game reports later this week.

Meanwhile enjoy images from spring football in Japan.