#Japan #Tokyo #battery #Tokyo Skapa! Honki-kis #Sports Comedy

The Exciting Birth of Tokyo Skapa! Honki-kis: A Unique Baseball Team

On September 3rd, Skapa! JSAT Corporation announced the formation of the Tokyo edition of the amateur baseball team, Tokyo Skapa! Honki-kis. This new team, which consists of comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo, follows the successful model of the Osaka-based Kamigata Honki-kis. The initiative aims to combine laughter and genuine sportsmanship into a fascinating entertainment experience.

This latest creation springs from the second series of the 12 pledges made by the Battery duo, who serve as ambassadors for Skapa! Pro Baseball. A diverse group of talents from the Tokyo area has come together, leading to the formation of a one-of-a-kind team that embraces both the individual quirks of its members and the thrill of competitive baseball.

Team Highlights and Members

The Tokyo Skapa! Honki-kis team assembly features several notable comedians and former athletes. Among the founding members are the Battery duo, Tsujimoto and Sayaka Shinyama, Ever's Takashi Sasaki, Kurage's Shota Watanabe, Raipachi Imai, and Anshikousuke Nakao. Adding to the team's prestige is former Tokyo Yakult Swallows manager Mitsuru Manaka, who was brought on board as the team manager.

Member Overview

• - Manager: Mitsuru Manaka
• - Star Players:

- Ace (Battery)
- Terie (Battery)
- Kohei Tsujimoto (Nippon no Shacho)
- Shinoyama (Sayaka)
- Takashi Sasaki (Ever's)
- Shota Watanabe (Kurage)
- Raipachi Imai
- Anshikousuke Nakao

• - Super Helper: Seiichi Uchikawa

First Training Session

The unveiling and first practice of the Tokyo Skapa! Honki-kis took place on September 2nd at an indoor training facility in the city. Members donned their new uniforms with enthusiasm, filling the room with laughter and applause from all in attendance. During this initial practice, players engaged in lighthearted banter while also demonstrating their competitive spirit through activities like catch, batting, and fielding drills.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when manager Manaka made a surprise appearance, leading to an impromptu friendly match-up between the Ace and him, blending competitive tension with comedic relief, ending the day on a high note.

After practice, an interview highlighted players’ aspirations and their heartfelt messages to fans. The exciting moments captured during this first day will be showcased on Skapa!'s official website and social media platforms starting late September.

Players’ Reflections

What are your thoughts after the first practice?

• - Terie: I was excited about creating a team in Tokyo, and with coach Manaka onboard, I'm thrilled!
• - Ace: I'm happy to play baseball in Tokyo. It’s a joy to reunite with Tsujimoto after years.
• - Tsujimoto: It’s delightful to be back playing alongside the Battery duo, whose journey I was part of.
• - Manaka: I’m honored to manage this team. The vibe here is impressive, feeling like a press conference for a new pro team!

Diversity of Members

• - Sasaki: A player with a championship background, known for his on-base skills.
• - Shinoyama: A passionate player eager to prove himself.
• - Imai: A former teammate at Kamigata Honki-kis, expected to make a big impact.
• - Watanabe: A dedicated right-handed hitter with a past face-off with Ace.
• - Nakao: An athlete from a high school that reached Koshien, known for his talent.
• - Uchikawa (Super Helper): Experienced player whose skills will be essential to the team.

Ambassador Role

• - Ace: I hope our team will widen the audience for baseball and entertain fans during the off-season.
• - Tsujimoto: I plan to keep our members spirited while eyes are on performance.

Future Plans

Tokyo Skapa! Honki-kis plans to conduct regular practices and matches to strengthen the team’s skills. They are currently seeking rivals who share the philosophy of enjoying baseball wholeheartedly. Performing comedy alongside serious play, this initiative aims to deliver a different kind of baseball entertainment experience.

For interested teams, an application form is available for practice matches at this link.

The Legacy of Battery and the Skapa! Ambassador Project

The Battery duo, members of the Skapa! Pro Baseball Ambassador project, have committed to fulfilling their 12 pledges. Activities include exclusive interviews with favorite players and organizing grassroots baseball tournaments. As a result, this engagement hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for professional baseball and showcase the unique aspects of viewing baseball through Skapa!

Discover more about this exciting venture at the official YouTube, with a diverse lineup of entertainment scheduled to engage fans in a format that combines the best of both worlds – comedy and competitive sports.

About Skapa!

Skapa! JSAT Corporation offers Japan's largest premium multi-channel broadcasting service, catering to diverse interests across sports, movies, anime, music, and variety shows. Customers can easily adapt their viewing plans according to their preferences.

Skapa! JSAT also focuses on space and media efforts, holding a unique position as a space industry pioneer in Japan as it operates multiple satellites and offers broadcasting across several platforms, further engaging audiences in various sectors.