Masumi Kuwata Appointed as CBO for Oisix Niigata Baseball Club

Oisix Niigata Albirex Baseball Club Welcomes Masumi Kuwata as CBO

Oisix, a leading subscription food service based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has made an exciting announcement regarding its affiliation with the Niigata Albirex Baseball Club. Starting in January 2026, the well-respected former professional baseball player and coach, Masumi Kuwata, will take on the role of Chief Baseball Officer (CBO). With his extensive experience in the sport and commitment to excellence, Kuwata's appointment is a strategic move aimed at strengthening the team's culture and brand while promoting the mission of becoming a strong and beloved baseball club.

Masumi Kuwata: A Legendary Career

Masumi Kuwata is no stranger to the world of baseball. He made a name for himself during high school at PL Gakuen in Osaka, where he participated in the prestigious Koshien baseball tournaments five times, earning two championships and two runner-up titles. In 1985, he was drafted first overall and joined the Yomiuri Giants the following year. Over his illustrious career, he secured 173 victories, winning numerous awards, including the Sawamura Award in 1987 and the Central League MVP in 1994. His journey also led him to the MLB, where he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates after his retirement from Japanese baseball.

Educated at Waseda University, Kuwata has taken on various coaching and research roles since finishing his playing career. His experience ranges from serving as a special coach at Tokyo University to holding a position as the Chief Pitching Coach Assistant for the Yomiuri Giants. His well-rounded background in education and sports will be integral to his upcoming role with the Niigata Albirex.

The Role of CBO

As CBO, Kuwata's primary responsibility will involve overseeing the team's foundation, development, and player organization. He will provide guidance and mentorship to coaches and team staff, help develop training methods, and enhance the player assessment process. The Niigata Albirex Baseball Club is made up of young players aiming for recognition in the NPB, as well as veterans looking for a comeback. As the team aims for success on the field and seeks to produce and revive players for NPB, strong leadership from Kuwata will be essential.

The 2025 season saw the club achieve its highest number of draft picks in history, selecting three players. Looking toward the future, the team aspires to cultivate players capable of excelling in NPB, establishing sustainable training methodologies tailored to its unique culture and values. Kuwata's leadership will play a pivotal role in that endeavor.

The Niigata Albirex Baseball Club's Mission

The Niigata Albirex Baseball Club is dedicated to regional revitalization through professional baseball, firmly believing in the potential of the sport to uplift communities. The club operates under a partnership with Oisix, which holds naming rights and contributes to the team’s management, highlighting the collaboration's focus on community engagement and economic growth. Starting in the 2024 season, the club is set to compete in the NPB's Eastern League and aims to achieve even greater success, building on the audience reach and solidifying its foundation by 2025.

Special Initiatives to Celebrate Kuwata's Appointment

To commemorate Kuwata's new role, Oisix will introduce two special campaigns. New subscribers of Oisix can enjoy a trial set featuring 18 select products inspired by Kuwata's iconic jersey number. Regular members will also have the chance to benefit from an 18% discount sale, celebrating Kuwata's legacy in the world of baseball.

For detailed offerings, potential customers can visit Oisix. This initiative aims to connect food service with sportsmanship, encouraging local patrons to partake in the exciting developments surrounding the club.

About Oisix

Founded in 2000, Oisix is a pioneer in providing high-quality organic and specially grown vegetables, alongside a range of processed food products developed without additives, all aimed at nourishing families in Japan. With over 352,000 members, Oisix has made waves in the e-commerce food delivery sector, also gaining recognition for its meal kit service, 'Kit Oisix,' which has sold over 200 million meals. The company's dedication to addressing food challenges and advocating for sustainable practices positions it as a vital player in Japan's food industry.

By leveraging Kuwata's sports excellence and Oisix’s commitment to quality, the Niigata Albirex Baseball Club is poised for a promising future in bringing together the passion for sports and food, all while striving to uplift the local community in Niigata.