Would You Play Ball at Fukushima?

Children played baseball at Matsukawaundo Koen Ya Baseball Field in Fukushima in November. Some parts of the prefecture — mainly in the capital city of Fukushima — are trying to change the perception around their name through sports.FUKUSHIMA, Japan — A sea of brightly colored banners and advertisements decorated Fukushima train station in early November to celebrate coming road races and Fukushima United, the local soccer club.

There are new professional baseball and basketball franchises in the region, too. They carry inspirational names like the Hopes and the Firebonds, the latter signifying the spirit of a team connecting to the community, said 21-year-old point guard Wataru Igari.

For an…