Indonesian All-Stars Experience the Thrill of Koshien in Japan!

In a remarkable initiative aimed at promoting international sports exchange and cultivating the next generation of baseball talent, the Indonesian All-Star team was invited to Japan from August 8 to 10, 2025. This event took place at the historic Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and SGL Stadium in Amagasaki, with the sponsorship of Rent Co., Ltd. The main goal was to allow young baseball players from various Asian countries to immerse themselves in Japan’s rich high school baseball culture and techniques.

Event Overview

The three-day event was packed with activities designed to provide the Indonesian team with firsthand experience of Japanese baseball traditions. The following was the event itinerary:

August 8 (Friday)

- Koshien Stadium Tour: The team attended the 107th National High School Baseball Championship tournament and sat in the Dream Seat section to witness the intense performances of high school players. This allowed them to soak in the electric atmosphere that Koshien Stadium is famed for.
- Koshien History Museum Tour: Participants explored the deep-rooted history of Koshien Stadium, gaining insights into the cultural significance of high school baseball in Japan.

August 9 (Saturday)

- Baseball Clinic by Hanshin Tigers Legends: Led by Baseball Ambassador Takumi Akiyama and Academy Coaches Ayakawa and Eguchi, the clinic focused on enhancing the players’ skills. They participated enthusiastically in training sessions that covered defense, batting, and baserunning, challenging themselves to learn Japanese-style training techniques.

August 10 (Sunday)

- Friendship Match: The Indonesian All-Stars faced off against the Hyogo Shukugawa Boys, a Japanese junior high school baseball team, in an exciting friendly match at SGL Stadium Amagasaki. The match showcased mutual respect and sportsmanship, with memorable moments shared on the field.
- Press Conference for Asian Koshien 2025: Media representatives gathered to discuss the upcoming second Asian Koshien tournament set to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, in December 2025. Participants learned about the event format, including a tournament structure with 14 teams from four countries participating.

Future Prospects: The Asian Koshien 2025

The next event is scheduled to occur from December 13 to 20, 2025, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and Rawamangun Baseball Field in Jakarta. Here are some key aspects:

- Participation: 14 teams from four countries will compete.
- Match Format: A tournament structure will be employed, with a total of 36 matches planned, including a loser's bracket.
- Organizers: The event is organized by NB.ACADEMY in collaboration with Garuda Baseball Softball Club.

The upcoming tournament aims to provide young baseball players from Indonesia and across Asia with an opportunity to learn about Japanese team play and values while competing at high standards.

Partner Company Insights

Rent Co., Ltd.
President Akira Okada expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the desire to provide Indonesian children with real experiences of Koshien, enabling them to feel the excitement instead of merely hearing about it. He noted the wonderful cooperation from the Hanshin Tigers and the overall rewarding nature of the experiences shared at Koshien.

Hanshin Tigers Academy
Baseball Ambassador Takumi Akiyama was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm of the Indonesian players, recognizing the motivating power of having a significant goal like Koshien. Coaches Ayakawa and Eguchi shared that the vibrant atmosphere of Koshien could elevate players' performance.

NB.ACADEMY
Deputy Director Norifumi Mita stated that the participants were truly inspired as they watched teams play at Koshien, realizing the project's slogan, 'Emotions Cross Borders.' This event also aimed to provide young players with opportunities and environments for growth.

Conclusion

This event not only enriched the Indonesian All-Stars' experiences but also highlighted the broader goal of fostering international ties through baseball, aiming to inspire and prepare young players for the future. The collaborative effort among organizations underscores the commitment to nurturing the sport within Asia.

As this program unfolds, the future of Asian baseball looks bright, with potential stars emerging from these grassroots initiatives, contributing positively to both local and regional sports culture.