Former Baseball Coach Kudo Opens Youth Baseball Clinic in Indonesia

Opening New Doors in Youth Baseball

In a remarkable effort to promote baseball across Asia and strengthen international ties, NB ACADEMY, under the leadership of Shogo Shibata, hosted a youth baseball clinic in Jakarta, Indonesia. This exciting event took place from May 15 to 18, 2025, aiming to foster baseball development in various Asian nations in preparation for the Second Asian High School Baseball Championship presented by Snow Brand Milk.

With the generous support from Snow Brand Milk Indonesia and collaboration from local Japanese companies and organizations, this event has set a foundation for future baseball initiatives aimed at bridging cultures through sports. One significant figure present was Masahiro Kudo, a celebrated former professional baseball player and manager, now an advisor for SHAPE Partners. Kudo led the coaching sessions, sharing his expertise with nearly 100 young athletes from both Japanese schools and local baseball teams.

Event Overview

Duration: May 15-18, 2025
Location: Various baseball fields in Jakarta, Indonesia
Activities:

- Expert coaching and special talks by Kudo Masahiro
- Joint practice sessions with local youth teams
- Awards presentation from Mizuno Corporation to winning teams
- Discussion with local baseball associations for future tournament preparations

The event garnered significant media attention, with coverage from major outlets like NHK and Asahi Shimbun, showcasing the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming Asian Championship and the importance of Japan-Indonesia friendship in sports.

Testimonials and Reflections

Kudo expressed his excitement about engaging with the local youth:

"Visiting Jakarta for the first time and connecting with so many enthusiastic children, coaching staff, and supporters from various companies has been a truly rewarding experience for me. It seems many share a passion for the success of the Asian Championship, and seeing the joy in the children’s eyes when they improve, even in small ways, is what it's all about. Sports can act as a powerful bridge between cultures, and I am eager to continue these impactful exchanges through baseball."

Kudo’s sentiments were echoed by Fukuda, Vice President of Snow Brand Milk Indonesia, who remarked:

"Thanks to the dedication of many individuals, I am hopeful for the success of the upcoming second Asian Championship. Supporting these young individuals among Asia’s landscape through sports is vital, and our company is committed to nurturing a bright future in that regard."

As representatives from Mizuno shared their enthusiasm for the event, they remarked on the importance of youth sports:

"Through baseball, we aim to create impactful experiences not just in Japan but across Asia. This clinic is a gateway for young athletes to discover the beauty and excitement of baseball."

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, NB ACADEMY plans to continue its baseball clinics and pre-events across Asian countries, creating further opportunities for youth to pursue their dreams. With an eye towards the Second Asian High School Baseball Championship in December 2025, the organization aims to foster a participative environment through enriched coaching programs and resources. Efforts will also include providing sports equipment and mentorship for aspiring coaches, ensuring each young athlete has the tools they need to succeed.

The overarching goal is to connect children from Japan and across Asia through the universal language of baseball, fostering personal growth and confidence in young individuals while nurturing their dreams.

About NB ACADEMY

Company Name: NB ACADEMY
Location: 4-24-3 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Shogo Shibata
Established: August 2022
Website: NB ACADEMY

Driven by the desire to promote the rich traditions of Japanese baseball worldwide, especially in Asia, NB ACADEMY works tirelessly towards expanding both Japan's baseball market and the development of individuals through sports, ultimately aiming to empower the next generation with life skills through their experiences in baseball.