Japan: Pearl Bowl preseason tournament schedule now set

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

Almost every year Japan’s XLeague stages a spring preseason tournament involving all the top teams in the league that culminates with the Pearl Bowl, which will be held June 28 this year at the Tokyo Dome. The final attracts big crowds with attendance of upwards of 15,000-20,000 expected.

This year the 40th edition of the Pearl Bowl kicks off April 21 at Fujitsu Stadium with IBM Big Blue and the Lixil Deers in action against the Caterpillars and Bulls respectively.

Twelve teams will compete in this year’s Pearl Bowl tournament. The 12 teams are divided into four groups of three with the winner of each group advancing to the semi final.

All games are in Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki with the final which to be played at Tokyo Dome.

Last year’s Pearl Bowl tournament was won by the Obic Seagulls in a dramatic 29-27 victory over IBM Big Blue in front of a capacity crowd at the Tokyo Dome.