Japanese Football All-Stars Will Play on Dec. 15

The third annual college Schick Bowl, pitting all-star American football players from universities in eastern and western Japan, will be held on Dec. 15 in Yokohama, the game’s public relations executive office said Thursday.

It will be the first time that fans will select the players who will take part in the all-star game, according to an executive office press release.

Ballots were distributed to spectators at regular league games from Sept. 23, and the participants in the Schick Bowl will be announced in late November.

American football is rapidly gaining popularity in Japan, not only among universities but also high schools and corporations, according to Victor Shrenzel of Japan Counselors Inc., which is handling the publicity for the Schick Bowl.