E-Paper
Sign In
Tue, Jan 13, 2026 | Rajab 24, 1447 | Fajr 05:44 | DXB 
22.4°C
iPhone | iPad
Android
Japan’s Craftsmanship Meets Dubai’s New Sports Culture
TSUNAGARU TOWEL from Imabari becomes the official rally towel of Baseball United
When the inaugural Baseball United season opened on November 14 in Dubai, few expected a Japanese towel to become one of the most symbolic visuals of the month-long tournament. Yet the sight of thousands of fans waving TSUNAGARU TOWEL — a premium towel made in Imabari, Japan has already become one of the defining images of the league’s first-ever season in the Middle East.
This partnership marks a significant cultural moment: a traditional Japanese craft, refined for more than a century, is now shaping the cheering culture of a major international sports league.
Recommended For You
Made in Imabari, Japan — One of the World’s Leading Towel Hubs
TSUNAGARU TOWEL is produced in Imabari, a region in Ehime Prefecture that has been manufacturing towels for over 130 years. Imabari is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading towel hubs, known for its craftsmanship, strict quality standards, and the iconic “Five-Second Rule,” which requires towels to sink within five seconds when placed on water to prove their absorbency.
For Baseball United, the towels were manufactured exclusively for Season One, combining Japan's premium cotton selection with Imabari’s advanced weaving, dyeing, and finishing processes. The result is a towel that is soft to the touch, quick-drying, durable, and optimised for long cheering sessions, perfect for Dubai’s climate and outdoor stadium environments.
A New Rally Towel Culture in Dubai
The response from spectators has been overwhelmingly positive. Thousands of fans at Baseball United Ball Park have purchased and waved the towels during scoring moments, inning breaks, and team introductions. The synchronised motion has added a dynamic visual layer to the stadium atmosphere, creating a new “rally towel moment” in Dubai.
Many families — particularly parents attending with their children have embraced the towels as both a cheering item and a meaningful keepsake. With each team’s design produced in limited quantities and no restock planned after Season One, the towels have quickly taken on collector value.
International Attention, Including Japan
The league’s impact has already spread beyond the UAE. During early games, more than 6,000 viewers in Japan tuned in simultaneously, despite the time difference placing the broadcasts in late-night hours. The strong engagement illustrates growing global interest in Baseball United and highlights the appeal of a league that blends Middle Eastern hospitality with international sports culture.
Where to Buy the Towels
TSUNAGARU TOWEL is available through two main sales channels:
Stadium Merchandise Booth: Fans can feel the towel’s softness, thickness, and craftsmanship before purchasing. The booth has become one of the most visited areas of the ballpark.
Online Retail (UAE and GCC): Limited-edition team towels — Arabia Wolves, Mid East Falcons, Mumbai Cobras, and Karachi Monarchs are available on Amazon. Please search for ‘Baseball United Team Towel’.
A Symbol of Season One
With Season One being the only edition for these products, TSUNAGARU TOWEL serves as both a functional cheering tool and a cultural bridge, bringing Japanese craftsmanship to one of the most exciting new sports platforms in the Middle East.
Kushmita Bose
As a passionate storyteller and content writer, Kushmita Bose loves weaving narratives that inform, inspire, and entertain. Whether she's unraveling tech revolutions, dissecting industry reports, or bringing a brand’s journey to life, Kushmita thrives on transforming ideas into captivating stories.
When she’s not busy crafting content, you’ll probably find her daydreaming about her next travel adventure.
Don’t just scroll. Know it all. Sign up for your daily UAE news fix.
Get the top stories of the day right in your inbox.
