Successful Baseball Clinic in Bangkok
In December 2025, a special baseball clinic led by the prominent player Hokutaka Yamakawa concluded in Bangkok with remarkable success. Organized by the non-profit organization NB.ACADEMY, the event attracted around 150 participants, including local children and their parents, all eager to learn.
This clinic marked Yamakawa's first overseas coaching experience and received much acclaim from the attendees. As a key player of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and a recipient of the Japan Series MVP award, Yamakawa brought considerable expertise to the event. The initiative aims to promote baseball in Asia and involved preparations for the upcoming '2nd Asian High School Baseball Championship' scheduled from December 13 to 20 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Event Overview
- - Name: Hokutaka Yamakawa Baseball Clinic in Bangkok
- - Date: An unspecified date in December 2025
- - Location: Bangkok Thunders Baseball
- - Participants: Approximately 150 locals, including children
- - Activities: Batting practice, demonstrations, mental approaches to the game, and more
- - Organizer: NB.ACADEMY
During the clinic, children engaged in various activities, learning the fundamentals of baseball through direct interaction with Yamakawa. Feedback from the participants expressed how valuable the experience was. One child exclaimed,
“I learned not just the defensive stance and steps but also key batting points directly from Yamakawa! I want to practice more and try what I've learned in my next game!” Meanwhile, a parent noted how precious it was for their child to receive such detailed coaching in both fielding and batting, highlighting the joy they observed in their child's newfound enthusiasm for baseball.
Yamakawa's Comments
Reflecting on his first coaching experience abroad, Yamakawa remarked,
“Despite the differences in country and language, I felt a strong connection through baseball. While the environment for baseball isn't as developed as in Japan, the love for the sport was palpable, and I drew energy from the children. I hope this clinic will inspire them to enjoy baseball even more.”
The Future of Baseball in Southeast Asia
NB.ACADEMY is gearing up for the upcoming Asian Championship in Jakarta and plans to strengthen its baseball promotion initiatives across Southeast Asia. The organization has already conducted programs in six countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. These endeavors will not only help in nurturing future talents but also pave the way for collaboration with community stakeholders, laying a foundation for the success of the Asian Championship.
Yamakawa’s clinic is part of a broader strategy to promote Japanese traditional baseball culture internationally, particularly in Asia. The focus is on fostering personal growth through sports and facilitating language acquisition through international activities.
Through ongoing efforts, NB.ACADEMY aims to deepen ties between children, coaches, and sponsors throughout Southeast Asia, continuously working towards the development and proliferation of baseball culture in the region. This initiative will significantly contribute to the future success and expansion of baseball in Asia, ensuring that the love for the sport continues to grow.
Company Profile
- - Name: NB.ACADEMY
- - Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
- - Representative: Shogo Shibata, Executive Director
- - Founded: August 19, 2022
- - Website: nbacademy.jp
NB.ACADEMY is committed to spreading traditional Japanese baseball culture overseas, contributing to the expansion of Japan's baseball market by promoting activities focused on sportsmanship and international connections. Through their initiatives, they strive to foster human development and offer value derived from baseball as a profound and enriching activity.