#Japan #Tokyo #Kakegawa #WACCA #Pro Baseball

Connecting Urban and Rural: Free Baseball Lessons for Kids

In an exciting initiative set for July and August 2025, WACCA Ikebukuro, in collaboration with Kakegawa City in Shizuoka Prefecture, is hosting a series of free online baseball lessons tailored for elementary school children. This program aims to foster cultural exchange between urban and rural communities while providing young athletes with the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. The lessons are designed to instill a sense of hope and forward-thinking in local children, introducing them to the rich world of baseball through the eyes of former professional players.

Event Overview

Event Title: Special Baseball Lessons by Former Pro Baseball Players Hosted by WACCA x Kakegawa City
Dates: July 31, August 19, and August 29, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM JST
Location: Live from WACCA Ikebukuro, Tokyo (1-8-1 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku)
Target Participants: Elementary school children from across Japan, especially those from rural areas like Kakegawa City
Participation Method: Online (YouTube, Zoom, etc.), pre-registration required
* Cost: Free

Lesson Content (Tentative)

The lessons will feature:

• - Technical guidance and demonstrations by former professional players.
• - Participation from local children in Kakegawa (online) and approximately 10 children from Tokyo (in-person).
• - Live streaming and recorded archives available for viewing later.
• - A Q&A and interaction session with the children after the lessons (10-15 minutes).

Background and Purpose

This project is rooted in the cultural collaboration agreement between WACCA Ikebukuro and Kakegawa City. It aims to bridge the gap in access to sports opportunities for children across different regions. By delivering practical and mental support through professional baseball training, the initiative hopes to serve as a springboard for rural children to explore their potential and future pathways.

Featured Instructors

July 31st Instructor: Kazuki Kondo

Kazuki Kondo, born in Kanagawa in 1983, led his team to victory in the summer Koshien during high school before joining the Orix Buffaloes in 2001. He had a remarkable career with several accolades and currently works as a baseball commentator and coach.

August 19th Instructor: Takahiro Araki

Born in Toyama in 1987, Takahiro Araki entered the professional arena with the Yakult Swallows after an impressive high school career. His contributions on and off the field garnered him immense popularity, especially noted for his dramatic performances.

August 29th Instructor: Jun Matsui

Jun Matsui, hailing from Kanagawa, had a successful run with the Yakult Swallows, including a remarkable batting style that made him feared by pitchers. Post-retirement, he focuses on providing specialized baseball training techniques to aspiring players.

Organizers and Partners

• - Organizer: Eishin Co., Ltd. (WACCA Ikebukuro)
• - Co-host: Kakegawa City
• - Operational Support: IforC Co., Ltd.
• - Collaborators: Local sports organizations and various businesses at WACCA Ikebukuro.

Statement from Leadership

Eichiro Sugikawa, CEO of Eishin Co., Ltd. expressed, “We believe this program will help children connect with their dreams without geographical constraints. Through baseball, we aim to lay the foundational mindset for positive challenges. We’re excited to present this unique opportunity to youth, bridging the urban and rural communities.”

This groundbreaking initiative promises to redefine how children engage with sports, linking them with professional athletes in a way that enhances their educational experience. We look forward to the support and interest from communities across the nation!

Contact Information

For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to our event office at Eishin Co., Ltd. via email: info@eishin.co.jp or call us at +81-3-6907-2853.

• ---

Company Overview:
Name: Eishin Co., Ltd.
Location: 1-8-1 Higashi Ikebukuro, WACCA Ikebukuro, Tokyo
CEO: Eichiro Sugikawa
Established: March 2014
Business Areas: Commercial facility management, regional collaboration, and planning of cultural and sports events.
Website: WACCA Tokyo