TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Rakuten Monkeys (樂天桃猿隊), Taiwan's professional baseball team, announced Tuesday (Aug. 26) that their Rakuten Girls cheerleading squad will embark on a groundbreaking tour across the United States. Team captain Chu-Chu (曲曲) and vice-captain Yuhi (筠熹) will lead the group from Aug. 26 to Sept. 5, performing during "Taiwan Day" events with the Athletics (運動家), Washington Nationals (國民), and Pittsburgh Pirates (海盜).
The initiative represents the most extensive participation by a Taiwanese cheerleading squad in Major League Baseball history. The Rakuten Girls will journey from the West Coast to the East Coast, showcasing Taiwan's distinctive cheerleading culture to American audiences. Team captain Chu-Chu spoke at Taoyuan Airport (桃園國際機場), Taiwan's main international gateway, on Tuesday (Aug. 26), emphasizing their careful preparation including packing Taiwanese instant noodles and planning to purchase jerseys from visiting teams.
Vice-captain Yuhi emphasized the uniqueness of Taiwanese cheerleading culture on the international stage, expressing hope that the cross-continental trip will showcase Taiwanese culture to broader audiences worldwide. She conveyed excitement about introducing distinctive Taiwanese-style cheerleading dances to American baseball events and their enthusiastic fan bases. The Rakuten Girls issued an invitation to overseas supporters, encouraging Taiwanese expatriates and baseball enthusiasts across the United States to participate in the celebratory events and experience authentic Taiwanese sporting culture. ◼
