Ōendan
Ōendan ( Japanese 応 援 団 ) is the Japanese variant of a cheerleading team . Smaller groups or clubs are called Ōembu ( 応 援 部 ).
Under Ōendan, cheerleaders are also taken according to the American pattern. However, there is also a Japanese variant of Ōendan. These are groups of boys who, like all other sports, are organized in a school or university club. The uniform of the male Ōendan is based on the Japanese boys' school uniform or on the shirt of the respective team. Just like with the female cheerleaders, their job is to cheer on the home team and keep the fans happy.
Ōendan have a strict code of honor at many schools and universities. This can include, for example, always running instead of walking, always sitting in the front row, always reporting when the teacher needs someone to help, etc. Because of the rigorous training and their physical fitness, the police and fire departments like to hire graduates one who was in the Ōendan club. Some clubs are said to be closer to the yakuza .
The Tokyo Agricultural University has one of the oldest and most famous Ōendan troops.
Ōendan in pop culture
In the Nintendo DS game Osu! Tatakae! Ōendan the player controls an Ōendan. Also the manga Sakigake !! Otokojuku is about Ōendan.