#Japan #Osaka #Asanuma Corporation #Masaki Aiba #4 Out

Asanuma Corporation's Support for '4 Out - One More Play Ball'

Asanuma Corporation, based in Osaka, has announced its support for the upcoming film '4 Out - One More Play Ball,' starring popular actor Masaki Aiba. This film tells the inspiring story of disabled baseball players and is set to be released nationwide on November 6, 2026. The decision reflects the company's ongoing commitment to supporting disabled sports, as they have been involved with the Japan Disabled Baseball Federation since 2018.

The narrative follows the life of Yagami, played by Aiba, who finds himself sidelined after being deemed unfit for professional baseball. As he searches for new meaning in his life, he connects with a group of individuals eager to play baseball despite their challenges. Confronted by skepticism regarding their abilities, Yagami takes it upon himself to form a baseball team, working to prove that sports are for everyone. The film draws from the true story of the Tokyo Blue Thunders, the first disabled baseball team established in Tokyo, embedding a powerful message within its title, '4 Out,' signifying that life does not end with failure, but presents new opportunities to rise again.

The story is based on the novel '4 Out - The Challenge of a Disabled Baseball Team' by the author Taira Hirama. The film has garnered attention, particularly featuring a heartfelt message from Shigeo Nagashima, a legendary figure in Japanese baseball and the honorary chairman of the World Disabled Baseball Championship.

Filming took place across various locations in Gunma Prefecture, as well as parts of Tokyo, commencing on November 7, 2025, and concluding on February 15, 2026. Aiba expressed deep admiration for the players he met, impressed by their talent and determination despite diverse circumstances. He emphasized the team dynamics that grew stronger through shared experiences during training and shooting, highlighting the sense of solidarity built among cast members, many of whom are involved in the disabled baseball community.

The Concept of Disabled Baseball

Disabled baseball entails players holding a disability certificate and playing with a soft baseball, following unique rules adapted to suit their needs. Since the establishment of the Japan Disabled Baseball Federation in 1993, the sport has blossomed, currently engaging roughly 1,000 registered players across 36 teams nationwide, competing each spring and fall for national titles. Asanuma Corporation's dedication aligns with the principles that promote inclusivity and passion in sports, contributing support since 2018.

In line with their commitment, Asanuma is also an official sponsor of the World Disabled Baseball Championship, regarded as the 'Other WBC'. This championship, which Nagashima heads as honorary committee chairman, occurs every four years, with the next edition set for November in Kitakyushu, where Japan aims to defend its title.

Company Profile

Asanuma Corporation, with a heritage exceeding 130 years, upholds a vision encapsulated in their slogan 'A Proud History, A Future to Create.' The company is dedicated to sincere craftsmanship, prioritizing client partnerships and community engagement.

• - Company Name: Asanuma Corporation
• - Headquarters: 1-2-3 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, in the Maruito Namba Building
• - Founded: January 1892
• - Established: June 1937
• - President: Makoto Asanuma
• - Website: Asanuma Official
• - Instagram: Asanuma Instagram

Asanuma's support for the film and disabled sports emphasizes their role as a socially responsible corporate entity, aiming to foster a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can shine and pursue their passions.