【Project Activities】

Sponsored by Rent Co., Ltd., this program invited the “Indonesia All-Stars” team—selected at the 1st Asia Koshien Tournament—to Japan for a training and exchange program.
On the first day, the team watched the National High School Baseball Championship from the Dream Seats at Koshien Stadium and experienced the traditions of Japanese high school baseball through a tour of the Koshien History Museum. On the second day, the players received professional technical instruction from Hanshin Tigers Baseball Ambassador Akiyama and coaches from the Harukawa-Egoshi Academy, aiming to improve their skills. On the final day, they played a friendly match against the Japanese junior high school hardball team, the “Hyogo Shukugawa Boys,” providing an opportunity to gain international game experience. Over these three days, the program allowed the players to experience firsthand the culture and competitive level of Japanese baseball.

【Project Background】

This initiative began with the desire to allow players who participated in the Asia Koshien Tournament to experience the actual Koshien Stadium firsthand, so they could feel the appeal of Japanese high school baseball culture and spread its value back to their home countries. Additionally, the program aims to establish participation in the “Asia Koshien”—the Asian version of Koshien—as a new goal for the children, fostering their aspirations and creating an environment where they can approach baseball with enthusiasm. Furthermore, through this initiative, we aim to develop the tournament into a symbolic event that inspires children across Asia who are just starting to play baseball to aspire to participate one day.

【Project Objective】

By providing young baseball players from across Asia with direct exposure to Japanese high school baseball culture and techniques, the project aims to foster international exchange and nurture the next generation through baseball.

【Project Area】

Improving Competitive Ability / Player Development

【Methods】

Support for Event and Tournament Organization

【Outcomes】

Through this event, participating players gained valuable international experience and opportunities for growth by watching games at prestigious Japanese high school baseball stadiums, receiving direct technical guidance from professional baseball officials, and playing practice matches against Japanese youth teams. Additionally, a press conference was held to announce the outline of the next tournament and the sponsorship structure, generating publicity that helped raise anticipation and interest in the international event. As a result, we achieved the following outcomes: increased motivation among participating players, expanded the circle of international exchange, and concretely paved the way for future development and participation in tournaments.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

<Hanshin Tigers Academy>
Baseball Ambassador / Mr. Takumi Akiyama
I was deeply moved by the sight of the Indonesian players practicing with shining eyes and passion. I was reminded once again that the grand goal of “Koshien” has the power to drive people forward, and I keenly realized that an environment where one can have such a goal is by no means a given. I believe this experience will serve as a catalyst for them to continue loving baseball in the future and to support the baseball world through watching games and cheering.

Tigers Academy Coach / Mr. Naomasa Harukawa
Koshien, with its beautifully maintained field and the roaring cheers echoing from all 360 degrees, is a special stage that brings out the absolute best in players. Professional baseball captivates with its powerful cheering, while high school baseball is defined by the passion and desperation fueled by the brass band—each has its own unique atmosphere. During my high school days, I fought with a sense of giving my all, and that experience became a lifelong asset. I hope that the “Asia Koshien” will recreate the experience of enjoying baseball and fighting with all one’s might alongside teammates toward a common goal.

Tigers Academy Coach / Mr. Taiga Egoshi
For me, high school baseball was all about “aiming for Koshien,” and it was precisely because of that goal that I was able to overcome the harsh winter training and practice under the scorching sun. If that goal hadn’t existed… I don’t think that passion or perseverance would have been born. That is precisely why I feel there is great value in the creation of this new stage, “Asia Koshien,” where players can embrace new dreams.

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

Many considerations are necessary, including the financial burden of travel and accommodation expenses, cultural sensitivity, differences in language and living environments, as well as safety and health management. Additionally, a key challenge is establishing a sustainable system that goes beyond a one-time experience to support the players’ continued skill development, training, and future academic and career paths. Moving forward, it will be necessary to strengthen the operational structure and expand the support framework, taking these points into account.

【URL】

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000048.000109248.html