japan-america youth baseball camp · pdf fileyoshihito okuyama of the hokkaido pony league...

National Association of Japan-America Societies, Inc. 全米日米協会連合

1150 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 1050 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-429-5545 Fax: 202-429-0027 Email: [email protected]

Bridging the Pacific Since 1978

www.us-japan.org

National Association of JapanNational Association of JapanNational Association of Japan---America Societies, Inc.America Societies, Inc.America Societies, Inc.

JapanJapan--America Youth America Youth Baseball Camp Baseball Camp

2005 2005 July 12 - 22, 2005

Japan-America Youth Baseball Camp 2005

Sponsors and Collaborating Organizations

Sponsors and Collaborating Organizations Sponsors and Collaborating Organizations

Program Sponsors

The Freeman Foundation

ANA-All Nippon Airways

Collaborating Organizations

Baseball-related Organizations

Major League Baseball Japan The Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters The Tokyo Yomiuri Giants The Chiba Lotte Marines Hokkaido Baseball Association Hokkaido Senior Little League Baseball Association Hokkaido Pony League Baseball Association Hokkaido Sun League Baseball Association

Japan-America Societies

Japan-America Society of Arizona America-Japan Society of Hokkaido

Government

Embassy of U.S., Japan U.S. Consulate General, Sapporo Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan Embassy of Japan, U.S. Hokkaido Prefecture Government City of Sapporo Municipal Government

The Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters

Major League Baseball Japan

Other

Outback Steakhouse

McDonald’s Company (Japan), Ltd.


Acknowledgements

T he National Association of Japan-America Societies would like to first and foremost thank all of the collaborating organizations whose staff took time out of their extremely busy schedules to coordinate

arrangements, come up with great ideas, and enable us to have a wonderfully successful program! Jeff Rodin of the Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers provided immeasurable support for participant selection in the Phoenix area. He helped with pre-departure workout sessions and various other important arrangements. Yoshihito Okuyama of the Hokkaido Pony League Baseball Association and the owner of the Phoenix Sports Center spent countless hours coordinating dozens of events in Hokkaido, while mak-ing sure that the program would be a memorable experience for all parties concerned, and that the ex-change would last for a long time into the future. We would also like to thank Jim Small of Major League Baseball Japan for his commitment to this program. Hiroko Kato of Major League Baseball Japan at-tended to many important details in the Tokyo portion of the program, helping to arrange many once-in-a-lifetime events. Yasukatsu Shirai and Shogo Arai of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters were invalu-able in setting up several baseball clinics in Sapporo. We are also very grateful to the ten host families, who each hosted two American teenagers, for the tre-mendous care they took with the boys. Hosting two teenagers from a completely different culture required much energy and commitment! We also extend our appreciation to the Japanese teenage baseball players and their families who demonstrated extraordinary dedication on many occasions throughout the duration of the trip. The many volunteer staff members and interpreters furthered effective intercultural communi-cation among the participants. In addition, we appreciate the contributions of the staff members from the America-Japan Society of Hokkaido. Last, but not least, we would like to thank our sponsors and donors for their generous contributions to the program. Funding from the Freeman Foundation made it possible to implement the program as originally conceived, and All Nippon Airways provided a tremendous amount of support with both international and domestic transportation. Their dedication to strengthening U.S.-Japan relations generally, and to the pro-gram specifically, was vital to the success of the program. It is impossible to adequately recognize the many people who contributed in so many ways to the success of the program. We do, however, wish to extend our gratitude to the persons and organizations listed on the following page.

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

Chiba Lotte Marines manager, Bobby Val-entine gives batting instructions at the Ma-rines’ Stadium in Chiba on July 14, 2005

Japanese and American players warm up before a joint practice session at Pippu Sta-

dium in Asahikawa on July 17, 2005


Collaborating Organizations & Participants

Collaborating Organizations & ParticipantsCollaborating Organizations & Participants

Baseball-related Organizations

Major League Baseball Japan The Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters Hokkaido Baseball Association Hokkaido Senior Little League Baseball Association Hokkaido Pony League Baseball Association Hokkaido Sun League Baseball Association Phoenix Sports Center

Japan-America Societies

America-Japan Society of Hokkaido

Baseball Players (American)

Logan Davis Jack Diamond Taylor Erwin Jake MacWilliam Elijah Philpot Anthony Reda Jacob VanRaaphorst Devon Villarreal Cory Whigham Jake Williams Coaches/Chaperons (American)

Brandon Martin Jeff Rodin

Government

Embassy of U.S., Japan U.S. Consulate General, Sapporo Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan Embassy of Japan, U.S. Hokkaido Prefecture Government City of Sapporo Municipal Government

Host Families

Akinori Shimomura Takuya Fujii Tetsuo Tanaka Kiyonobu Takahashi Osamu Yokoyama Shogo Tsuji Shinya Murata Takuma Narita Yusuke Osuga Yuki Kawahara

Volunteers

Phoenix Sports Center Geoff Carr and his family Sunha Hong Hokkaido Pony Baseball League Asahikawa Chuo Baseball Club Sapporo East Baseball Club America-Japan Society of Hokkaido

Baseball Teams (Japanese)

Hongo Middle School Asahikawa Chuo Baseball Club Sapporo East Baseball Club Hokkai Bears Sapporo Royals Pippu Middle School

Coaches (Japanese)

Yoshihito Okuyama Yasukatsu Shirai Shogo Arai Shigeru Miki Kengo Okajima Kenji Miura Yo Ohira Shunichi Teranishi Shigeru Sato Hiroki Kitamura

American and Japanese players and coaches before a baseball clinic in Asahikawa, Hok-

kaido, on July 17, 2005

Sponsors & Donors Acknowledgements Collaborating Organizations & Participants Table of Contents Executive Summary…………………………………………...…….…1 Activity Report Pre-departure……………………………………………………...2 Tokyo 1………………………………………………………...3 Tokyo 2………………………………………………………...4 Tokyo 3…………………………………………………...……5 Tokyo 4………………………………………………………...6 Asahikawa 1……………….…………………………...…….....7 Asahikawa 2…………………………………………………....8 Asahikawa 3..…………………………………………………..9 Sapporo 1 …………………………………………………….10 Sapporo 2……………………………………………………..11 Sapporo 3……………………………………………………..12 Future Prospects…………………..……………………………..…...13 Program Evaluation Summary………………….….……………….…14 Appendix I - Program Format Summary………………………………..15 II - Preparation Timeline……………………………………..16 III - Travel Agenda…………………………….……………...17


Table of Contents

Table of Contents Table of Contents

Jacob VanRaaphorst presents an autograph board to U.S. Ambassador Schieffer at his

residence in Tokyo on July 15, 2005

Diamondbacks and Fighters coaches after a clinic at the Fighter’s indoor training facility in

Sapporo on July 21, 2005

Executive Summary | 1

F ollowing the success of the program in 2004, NAJAS, in cooperation with the Arizona Diamond-backs and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, established a two-week baseball camp tour for

American and Japanese boys aged 13 to 15 to be held in Hokkaido, Japan. The American contingent also traveled to Tokyo and Chiba to take part in events hosted by the Nippon Professional Baseball teams. The purpose of the camp was to provide baseball instruction and a cross-cultural experience, and to encourage young baseball players to learn more about each other and each other’s countries. (See Appendix I for the Program Format Summary and Appendix III for the Travel Agenda.) Ten American baseball players along with two coaches were selected from the Phoenix area by the Ari-zona Diamondbacks. The selection criteria was based not only on the candidates’ baseball skills, but also on their interest in having a cross-cultural experience. Seven baseball teams, one in Tokyo, two in Asahi-kawa, and four in Sapporo, participated in various baseball-related activities. In Asahikawa and Sapporo, Japanese players were chosen not only for their interest in baseball, but also for their families’ willingness to host the American boys in their respective cities. NAJAS Associate Director Yusuke Tanno joined the ten American baseball players and two coaches at the beginning of the program in Phoenix and stayed with the group throughout the program, saying good-bye to them in Tokyo. After a pre-departure workout session and orientation at the Bank One Ballpark on July 11, the group traveled to Tokyo, Japan. During their three-day stay in Tokyo, the American players visited the world’s largest fish market, Tsu-kiji, participated in a baseball clinic hosted by the Chiba Lotte Marines with players from Hongo Middle School, experienced Sumo wrestling, had lunch with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan at his residence, and watched a game between the Yomiuri Giants and Yokohama Bay Stars. The American teenagers stayed in pairs with two sets of families while in Asahikawa and Sapporo. Aside from some special events such as welcome parties, a pre-game ceremony at the Fighters’ stadium, and baseball clinics, the boys spent nearly all of their spare time with their host families. The activities for the American coaches were specially arranged by Yoshihito Okuyama, a board member of the Hokkaido Pony League Association and the owner of the Phoenix Sports Center. The baseball camp was held every-day with fifteen Japanese teenagers and the coaches from the Fighters and Diamondbacks . There were three intramural games in the Sapporo Dome Stadium and elsewhere with local teams. Since this year’s program ended in a great success, NAJAS and the collaborating organizations are ex-ploring the possibility of expanding the program to other cities and teams, while still maintaining the Ari-zona-Hokkaido connection. San Diego and Yokohama, two sister cities, have expressed interest in hosting a similar program in the future. Furthermore, in May 2005 , two of the Diamondbacks Training Centers coaches traveled to Hokkaido and Korea to hold several baseball clinics arranged by Yoshihito Okuyama. The clinics served as both a con-tinuation from and prelude to the programs in 2004 and 2005. Funding for the program came from the Freeman Foundation, All Nippon Airways, Major League Base-ball Japan, the Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, and the Phoenix Sports Center.

Executive Summary Executive Summary


2 | Activity Report - Pre-departure

PrePre--departure departure


Since 2004, the Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers have provided immeasurable support for putting together the program and organizing the

event in Phoenix. NAJAS would like to thank Direc-tor of the Training Centers, Jeff Rodin, for his com-

mitment. D-backs Coaches to Hokkaido & Korea May 20-26, 2005 in Asahikawa and Seoul

T wo coaches from the Diamondbacks Training Centers traveled to Asahikawa, Hokkaido and

Seoul, Korea to provide baseball clinics to local teenage players as a continuation of the 2004 pro-gram and a prelude to the 2005 program. Jeff Rodin, Director of the Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers, along with an ex-Nippon Professional Baseball player Yasukatsu Shirai also made a pres-entation to approximately 200 people on baseball business strategy .

Pre-departure Work-out Session July 11, 2005 at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix

A ll participants but one participated in batting practice in the batting cage at the Stadium

which is normally reserved for MLB players. The group was fortunate to have Mr. Matt Williams (an ex-All Star player who once played in Japan at an opening game) and Mr. Mark Davis to observe and provide advice. A D-backs camera crew was also present at the scene to videotape the practice and the subsequent orientation. Pre-departure Orientation July 11, 2005 at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix

T he participants and their parents attended a pre-departure orientation meeting in the Board

Room of Bank One Ballpark. NAJAS staff distrib-uted some administrative material, briefed them on travel procedures, and answered last minute ques-tions. The Diamondbacks gave the participants baseball caps, t-shirts, batting jerseys and passport/ticket holders, in addition to other t-shirts, gear bags, wrist bands and cap clips that were previously provided by D-backs at a program workout session held a few weeks earlier. NAJAS also provided pro-gram polo shirts to the participants.

Activity Report - Tokyo 1 | 3

Tokyo 1Tokyo 1


Every activity in Tokyo between July 13 and 15 was funded and organized by Major League Baseball Ja-pan. NAJAS appreciates the generous contributions and commitment of Ms. Hiroko Kato, Account Ex-

ecutive of MLB Japan, to this program. Travel from Phoenix to Tokyo July 12-13, 2005 in Phoenix & Tokyo

O n July 12, participants met at the Phoenix Inter-national Airport for check-in. The group was

picked up by Ms. Hiroko Kato of MLB Japan at Na-rita Airport and shuttled to a hotel in Iidabashi on July 13. The drive from Narita to Tokyo certainly was an experience for the players who had previ-ously only known wide-open spaces with few build-ings at all. The foggy and rainy weather was a little disappointing to the organizers, but not at all to the group from Phoenix where annual precipitation is minimal. Akihabara Electric Town July 13, 2005 in Akihabara, Tokyo

T he group took a JR train to Akihabara (only two stops away from the hotel) to experience their

first taste of Tokyo. Going through the crowd and

the train system was challenging for them, but they seem to enjoy the process. Participants had one hour of free time in the area before dinner. The American boys’ first meal in Japan was at a Yakitori restaurant where they were served food they had never seen before, including Aji-no-Ikezukuri, live fish sashimi. Most of them were anxious to prac-tice using chopsticks in order to prepare for their home stays with host families in Hokkaido. Tsukiji Fish Market & Breakfast July 14, 2005 in Tsukiji, Tokyo

T he group left the hotel early in the morning to see a tuna auction at the market. While touring

with a group through the market is always a chal-lenge, the participants enjoyed fish of all sizes and kinds, as well as the special atmosphere which can’t be found anywhere else in Tokyo. The group had a Donmono breakfast (sashimi, pork, chicken, and eggs on rice) at the market where the fish market workers eat. Imperial Palace July 14, 2005 in Chiyoda, Tokyo

P articipants made a brief stop at the Imperial Pal-ace to see the gardens, the moat, and the remains

of the Edo castle where the royal family currently resides.

4 | Activity Report - Tokyo 2

Tokyo 2 Tokyo 2


Chiba Lotte Marines Baseball Clinic July 14, 2005 in Makuhari, Chiba

B efore going to the Marines’ Ballpark in Chiba, the group met with their counterparts (15 play-

ers and their head coach) from the Hongo Middle School baseball team. On the way to the ballpark, the Japanese and American kids introduced their partners (instead of introducing themselves, they introduced the person who was sitting next to them). The players also watched the history of U.S.-Japan baseball on videos until they arrived at the ballpark. After arriving in Chiba, the participants were met by the Marines’ General Manager Bobby Valentine who generously gave four hours of his time to work with the participants and provide coaching advice. The Japanese and American kids worked together on routines, while Mr. Valentine and coaches from the Diamondbacks and Hongo Middle School dis-cussed the remainder of the clinic agenda. Mr. Val-

entine gave detailed instructions and advice to the players as they practiced catching, infielding and batting. The batting practice was conducted by five of the Marines’ batting pitchers and catchers to al-low the boys to experience true professional base-ball. A TBS media crew was on site to record the event. After a lunch provided by McDonald’s Japan, Mr. Valentine held a Q&A session, answering questions about Japan, baseball, and life. At the end of the session, the participants presented a framed auto-graph board provided by the Diamondbacks to Mr. Valentine. MLB Japan also provided sunflower seeds so that the American boys could show their Japanese coun-terparts how to chew on them, a very uncommon practice in Japan!

Activity Report - Tokyo 3 | 5

Tokyo 3Tokyo 3


(cont.) At the end of their stay at the ballpark, the boys had a chance to observe the Marines’ batting practice and to ask for autographs on t-shirts and baseballs provided by MLB Japan and the Marines respectively. The support that MLB Japan and the Marines pro-vided for this event was unmatched in every way. Not only was Mr. Valentine available, but the Ma-rine’s batting pitchers and a full scale logistics staff was on hand to prepare the ball field, move equip-ment as the session progressed, and clean up after-wards. The whole event certainly was a once in a lifetime experience for everyone involved. On the way back from the ballpark, the American players presented an autograph board and a D-backs helmet to their Japanese friends. Dinner at the Outback Steakhouse July 14, 2005 in Shinagawa, Tokyo

P articipants enjoyed dinner arranged by MLB Japan and provided by the Outback Steakhouse

in Shinagawa. Along with the lunch previously pro-vided by MacDonald’s Japan, they were happy not to have to ask too many questions about what was on the menu! The group then took a JR train back to the hotel.

Sumo Club - Saitama Sakae High School July 15, 2005 in Sakae-shi, Saitama

T he boys picked up breakfast at a convenience store before heading to the Saitama Sakae

Sumo Club. The Club is one of the most prestigious in all of Japan and several national champions in various ranks were in the group. Although the American boys were quite shy about getting un-dressed and wearing Mawashi, (or “diapers” as the boys called them), once a few of them volunteered with help from some Sumo wrestlers, everyone else got comfortable with the idea. Sumo is a sport that requires the most traditional forms of discipline. The boys were constantly told what to do, when and where. Once the excitement of wearing Mawashi wore off, the American boys observed some routine warm-ups and fundamental movements, and joined the Japanese wrestlers for practice. Everyone experienced a mock wrestling match with a Japanese wrestler, and each participant learned that sumo is a serious sport that involves skill, and both physical and mental strength. The head coach of the club was generous enough to present the Mawashi that the American boys wore, along with the high school’s original t-shirts, hats and Japanese fans. The American boys also gave an autograph board to the Sumo wrestlers.

6 | Activity Report - Tokyo 4

Tokyo 4Tokyo 4

Lunch with U.S. Amb. Schieffer July 15, 2005 at U.S .Ambassador’s Residence in Tokyo

T he American players met up with the Japanese players from Hongo Middle School with whom

they previously practiced prior to visiting the Am-bassador at his residence. Once ushered into the residence, the American and Japanese boys were met by the Ambassador at the reception room where the Showa Emperor and General Macarthur had met. After making a brief greeting and introduction, Ambassador Schieffer graciously answered ques-tions from the boys. A former owner of the Texas Rangers, Ambassador Schieffer was both knowledgeable and insightful about every aspect of baseball, which prompted conversations with the boys and the coaches. He was so considerate that he not only spent two hours with the group, he also offered to take a picture with each participant (approximately 30 of them) at the end of the lunch. Tokyo Dome Stadium Tour July 15, 2005 at Tokyo Dome Stadium

A fter the Japanese players parted, the American boys received a back stage tour at the Tokyo

Dome Stadium, arranged by MLB Japan. Not only was it the first air-pressured dome structure most boys had ever visited, but they were also able to ob-

serve pre-game batting practice and to meet some players (Tuffy Rhodes and Brian Sikorski) who pa-tiently gave autographs. The group was also taken to the bullpen where pitchers warm up before and during the game. Yomiuri Giants vs. Yokohama Bay Stars July 15, 2005 at Tokyo Dome Stadium

T he participants had a wonderful time at their first Japanese baseball game. They were inter-

ested not only in the style of baseball, but also in the way the crowd cheered on their favorite teams. Al-though the Giants lost the game, the boys were quick to learn the Japanese way of cheering and left the Dome happy with their new cheering parapher-nalia.


Activity Report - Asahikawa 1 | 7

Japan-America 150th Anniversary Youth Baseball Camp 2004 Japan-America Youth Baseball Camp 2005

Asahikawa 1Asahikawa 1

Meeting with the Asahikawa Chuo Base-ball Club July 16, 2005 in Sapporo & Asahikawa

A fter arriving at Chitose Airport, the American boys received a warm welcome (some de-

scribed it as overwhelming) from the Japanese ball players of Asahikawa Chuo Baseball Club with ban-ners, name signs, and cheering. Several players in each group had participated in the program in 2004, either as a player or a host family. The Japanese boys quickly picked up the American boys’ luggage and carried it to the club’s bus. The Japanese boys were well-disciplined and outgoing, exchanging in-troductions on the bus and immediately becoming fast friends with their American counterparts. Welcome at The Phoenix Sports Center July 16, 2005 at Phoenix Sports Center in Asahikawa

T he Phoenix Sports Center is a facility that was founded and built by Mr. Yoshihito Okuyama

and his supporters after he participated in the Base-ball Camp 2004 program. The Center is equipped with professional grade work-out machines, pitch-ing and batting cages and dormitories for players and alumni, as well as local players. The facilities are free of charge. The Center was named in honor of the program and has the Diamondbacks Training Centers and Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters logos on the wall by the entrance. The parents of the Asahikawa Chuo Baseball Club prepared a Japanese style barbecue for the boys at the Center. After brief welcome remarks, introduc-tions and lunch, the boys and coaches played Sui-kawari, a typical summer time game in Japan. The coaches from the Diamondbacks Training Centers presented Mr. Okuymama a D-backs uniform with his name and number 5 on the back for his contribu-tions not only to this program, but also to a separate program that involved Hokkaido and Korea the pre-vious May. A local American who assisted with the program in May came with his family to help inter-pret.

8 | Activity Report - Asahikawa 2

Asahikawa 2 Asahikawa 2

Koko Yakyu Regional Championship July 16, 2005 at the Starffin Stadium in Asahikawa

A fter lunch at the Center, the Japanese and American boys watched a regional preliminary

game for the Japan national high school champion-ship. One of the competing teams, Ryukoku High School, had two players who participated in the 2004 program as starting members. The American boys and coaches were impressed with the level of baseball, as well as the level of interests that the general public has in high school baseball in Japan. Baseball Practice with Asahikawa Chuo Baseball Club and Pippu Middle School July 17, 2005 at Pippu Stadium in Asahikawa

A sahikawa Chuo and Pippu Middle School held a joint practice session with the American boys and the D-backs coaches. Players from both countries did some routine warm-up exercises. One of the dif-ferences in Japanese and American baseball is that the Japanese are constantly cheering and shouting during every exercise. While taken aback at the be-ginning, the American boys soon learned some ba-sic vocabulary and phrases to use during the ses-sions. The Diamondbacks coaches gave the Japa-nese players advice on pitching, catching, and bat-ting. Since Pippu Middle School uses predomi-nantly soft balls for this age group, the American

boys got a taste of a completely different style of baseball. Reporters from Hokkaido Shinbum came to report on the activities and stayed until the end of the day. The article appeared in the July 17 morning paper both on the front page and on page 12. Djingis Khan Lunch July 17, 2005 at Pippu Stadium in Asahikawa

T he Pippu Middle School Baseball Team and their parents prepared Djingis Khan barbecue

for the American boys and coaches for lunch while the Asahikawa Chuo players cleaned the field to get ready for a game in the afternoon.


Activity Report - Asahikawa 3 | 9

Asahikawa 3Asahikawa 3

Japan-America 150th Anniversary Youth Baseball Camp 2004

Intramural Game with Asahikawa Chuo July 17, 2005 at Pippu Stadium in Asahikawa

I n the afternoon, an intramural game was played with Asahikawa Chuo Baseball Club. Divided

into two teams, the American and Japanese players collaborated very well on the field. The D-backs coaches also participated as head coaches for each team. The Pippu Baseball Field provided full staff support for the game (scoreboard, announcements, etc.) to make the game more enjoyable for the play-ers. Grand Opening of the Phoenix Sports Center July 17, 2005 at Phoenix Sports Center in Asahikawa

M r. Okuyama held the grand opening of the Phoenix Sports Center while the group was

in Asahikawa. Conducted by Kannushi in Shinto Style, the two D-backs coaches and an American

player were given the opportunity to present Tama-mushi at the altar to pray for the prosperity of the facility as well as the safety of the trainees. Welcome Reception/The Phoenix Sports Center Grand Opening Party July 17, 2005 at Asahikawa Grand Hotel in Asahikawa

A welcome reception was held in conjunction with the Phoenix Sports Center’s grand open-

ing party at the Asahikawa Grand Hotel. The whole event was carefully choreographed and the Ameri-can participants received the warmest possible wel-come. The show was kicked off by each American boy running between lines of their Japanese coun-terparts, who were cheering and giving high-fives (similar to the festivities at professional basketball games when the players enter the court) while his picture was projected on a massive screen on the stage and loud music played. Over 150 people were in the ballroom. D-backs coaches and NAJAS staff were presented with appreciation awards for bridg-ing the cultures of Hokkaido and Arizona through baseball. In addition to all the gifts the American boys received on stage, the two hours were full of activities which honored those who contributed to the foundation of the Phoenix Sports Center. It was a night not only with excellent food, but also an event that demonstrated the generosity of the people of Asahikawa and really touched the heart of the American group.


10 | Activity Report - Sapporo 1

Sapporo 1Sapporo 1

Farewell at the Phoenix Sports Center July 18, 2005 at the Phoenix Sports Center in Asahikawa

T he host families and other players in the Asahi-kawa Baseball Club got together at the Phoenix

Sports Center to hold a brief farewell session. The Diamondbacks coaches gave speeches and an-swered questions. The host parents prepared McDonald’s meals for everyone to eat on the bus on the way to Sapporo. Every host family in Asahi-kawa traveled to Sapporo to accompany the boys, as well as to debrief the second host families in Sap-poro about what the American boys liked to do and eat, in order to make sure that there would be a smooth transition for the participants. Practice with Local Sapporo Teams July 18, 2005 at Tsu Dome Stadium in Sapporo

A fter arriving in Sapporo, the American players were met by six local hard ball teams at Tsu

Dome Stadium. The organizer prepared several fun activities, such as base running, strike-out and speed

ball, and the winners in each game received a bat. The second host families in Sapporo watched the practice and picked up their guests after the practice sessions were over. Welcome Reception at Sapporo Kaikan July 18, 2005 at Sapporo Kaikan in Sapporo

A welcome reception was held at Sapporo Kai-kan with the Japanese and American players,

their teammates, host families, and collaborating organizations, including the Hokkaido Baseball Federation, three Hokkaido Hardball Leagues, six local baseball teams, the Hokkaido America-Japan Societies, the U.S. Consulate General Sapporo, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and many others. Among the approximately 200 attendees was the Sapporo Branch Manager of ANA All Nippon Air-ways, a major contributor to the program.


Activity Report - Sapporo2 | 11

Sapporo 2Sapporo 2


Intramural Game at the Dome Stadium July 19, 2005 at Sapporo Dome Stadium in Sapporo

T he Fighters and the Sapporo Dome Stadium provided full field support for an intramural

game between teams of the Japanese and American players at the Dome. After warming up, two teams lead by D-backs head coaches competed on the field in a real NPB setting. After the game, the American boys spent the rest of afternoon with their host fami-lies.

Sapporo Dome Stadium Tour and BP July 19, 2005 at Sapporo Dome Stadium in Sapporo

T he Fighters provided a tour of the Dome Sta-dium for the American boys and their host

brothers. They observed batting practice and pitch-ing of the Fighters and Marines on the field. Mr. Bobby Valentine and some of the Chiba Lotte Ma-rines players who hosted the group for a clinic in Chiba on July 15 came to greet the American boys.

Meeting with the Fighters’ Players July 19, 2005 at Sapporo Dome Stadium in Sapporo The group was met by two players and a batting coach in the dugout. They gave speeches and an-swered questions about the differences between Japanese and American baseball. One of the points they made was about the attitudes of the players on the field. Japanese players, including professionals, bow as they enter and leave the field to thank those

who prepare the field, enable them to concentrate on the game, and provide a stage where they can not only play ball, but also learn about life through baseball.

Pre-game Ceremony July 19, 2005 at Sapporo Dome Stadium in Sapporo The Fighters made arrangements for the American boys to run out to each position with a Fighters player at the start of the game. Although the boys were nervous about going on the field in front of over 20,000 people, they were extremely excited when they returned to the dugout. All the boys knew Shinjo, and two boys went out to center field with him. Cory Whigham threw out the first pitch while the participants were still on the field, and everyone got autographs from the players at their positions. The Japanese and American boys, along with their host families, watched a game between Hokkaido and Chiba after the ceremony. Hokkaido lost the game 4-3.


12 | Activity Report - Sapporo 3

Sapporo 3Sapporo 3

Free Day with Host Families July 20, 2005 in Sapporo u ntil the Fighters’ clinic at 4:30, the partici-

pants had free time with their host families. At least four American boys attended classes at their host brothers’ schools. They played basketball in a PE class, experienced calligraphy and English classes, had kyushoku (a school lunch), and cleaned the classrooms after school with the Japanese stu-dents.

Meeting with Deputy Mayor of Asahikawa July 20, 2005 at Mayor’s Office in Asahikawa

D -backs coaches, NAJAS staff and Mr. Oku-yama visited the Deputy Mayor of Asahikawa,

Mr. Masami Yamagami. Mr. Yamagami made many positive remarks about the program, and of-fered his office’s support for the activities. NAJAS staff explained the potential of the program and its long term strategy in hopes of continuing the discus-sion into the future. Mr. Yamagami was positive about providing public facilities, including baseball stadiums, for the program. NAJAS hopes to con-tinue the discussion into the future.

Fighters’ Baseball Clinic July 20-21, 2005 at Fighter’s Indoor Facility in Sapporo

E x-Fighters Mr. Shirai and Mr. Arai held a base-ball clinic with the Japanese and American

boys at a Fighters’ indoor practice facility. The

clinic focused on the basics of base running, throw-ing, and batting. In batting practice, Mr. Shirai (an Ex-NPB All-Star pitcher) pitched to all of the par-ticipants to let them experience the feel of profes-sional baseball. All the host families attended the practice and watched the participants practice. The D-backs coaches supported the clinic from the side line, but lead the clinic on the following day. The D-backs coaches lead the clinic on the follow-ing day, and the participants practiced catching, fielding and batting. Unlike the previous clinic lead by the Fighters, the D-backs coaches did not need much verbal interpretation to communicate their instructions. At the end of the clinic, the Fighters coaches handed certificates of completion to the participants.



Future Prospects | 13

Incident Report Incident Report


Future Prospects Future Prospects

T he Japan-America Youth Baseball Camp 2005 program ended successfully because of the enormous commitment made by numerous organizations and individuals. Along with all the positive feedback

from participants and host families, there is a strong incentive among collaborating organizations in Ari-zona and Hokkaido for continuing this program into the future. Moreover, NAJAS has begun consulting with organizations in other cities, such as San Diego and Yokohama, both of which have professional baseball teams and Japan-America Societies, and the two municipalities have had a long-standing sister city relationship since 1957. The direct involvement of professional baseball teams makes this program unique. This involvement was even more unique this year as because Major League Baseball Japan contributed to the program for youth for the first time in its history. Being able to work with “cool” and “dynamic” MLB/NLB teams provides teenage players an exciting chance to dream, aspire and grow. As such, the potential for the program to expand to other states and prefectures largely depends on how much commitment MLB/NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) is willing to make. Support from various other local organizations is equally im-portant. After the second year of the program, both the Diamondbacks and the Fighters seem to have established confidence in the program, not only within their respective organizations, but also with each other. NA-JAS feels that the initiatives provided by the two organizations will be able to keep the program going for a long time without as much involvement by NAJAS, given certain elements are established. The Dia-mondbacks, the Fighters, and NAJAS will continue discussions in order to insure that the program will continue to evolve and stay beneficial to all concerned parties. In the meantime, NAJAS has started discussing the possibility of extending the program to San Diego and Yokohama. In July 2005, NAJAS staff met with the Yokohama City government, the Yokohama Bay Stars, the America-Japan Society of Yokohama, and several other local organizations. While the program will be required to make many adjustments according to the locality, NAJAS is hopeful that the main for-mat can be replicated. Conversation on the potential program in Washington, D.C. is still less concrete at this point. NAJAS has been primarily talking to the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C., and will be making a proposal to the Washington Nationals once their counterpart in Japan is identified. The generous support of sponsors will be critical for the implementation and continuation of the program. NAJAS appreciates the contributions of the existing sponsors, and will continue to seek other funding sources. This baseball camp exchange program has once again proven itself to be a effective, fun and natural way to foster understanding and respect across cultures. The hope is that the bridge these young aspiring base-ball players establish on the diamond will carry over into the bilateral relationship of the two countries for years to come.

14 | Program Evaluation Summary


Program Evaluation SummaryProgram Evaluation Summary

N AJAS considers program evaluation and areas for improvement from 2004 as an integral part of the program. In general, the areas for improvement from 2004 were reflected in this year’s program,

and received as positive feedback from 2005 participants.

Areas for Improvement from 2004

• Duration of Trip - It was suggested that the program period was too long in 2004, and therefore it was shortened to 11 days from 16 days (including travel time). It was also recommended that the stay with host families should be at the end rather than in the beginning, and NAJAS made the change. Both of the modifications resulted in a better quality of overall program.

• Number of Participants - The number of traveling players was reduced from 18 to 10 (3 to 2 for coaches). This is probably a maximum number that one chaperone can comfortably handle, given that there are two coaches for extra support.

• Participant Selection - This is an area that still requires serious consideration. Although the selec-tion of the American players this year was appropriate, it was not an open solicitation. If some of the program elements, such as participation fee, are to be modified, there should be a much more sophisticated selection process.

• Other - Several other items were listed as areas for improvement in 2004. Those included fundrais-ing, program staff, JAS/AJS, host families, participation fees, and collaborating organizations.

2005 Program Evaluation

Given the nature of the program, NAJAS divided the program evaluation into two parts, administrative-evaluation and participant evaluation. The former was mostly collected in consultation between NAJAS staff and collaborating organizations, and was summarized in the Executive Summary (p.1), Incident Re-port (p.13), and Areas for Improvement (p.16). The latter was collected using three types of questionnaire forms submitted by program participants (American players and coaches), American parents, and collabo-rating organizations and Japanese host families.

Evaluation of NAJAS Administration of the Program (27 total respondents)

Nine questions regarding NAJAS’ handling of the program administration were asked of the Japanese players, their parents, coaches, and collaborating organizations. Those questions include effectiveness of NAJAS staff, communicative responsiveness, sincerity and enthusiasm of NAJAS staff, reliability of in-formation provided, and quality of program materials. On average, in a scale of 1 to 5 (1=poor and 5=excellent), 90.95% marked above 4 (excellent or good), and 9.05% gave 3 (average) scores. In gen-eral, collaborating organizations, American players, their parents and coaches gave higher scores than Japanese host families, which could be the result of the NAJAS’ lack of direct communication with the local host families in Hokkaido.

Evaluation of Program (12 total respondents)

The most popular activities and experiences in Hokkaido were the welcome party in Asahikawa, the home stays and the baseball games. In Tokyo and Chiba, the Marines’ baseball clinic and Sumo were listed as most enjoyable. All of the respondents answered that they would participate in the program again if given a chance, and would recommend the program to their friends.

Overall, the program was well received by most participants and collaborating organizations. While cross-cultural interactions, such as home stays, can be great experiences, they can also be extremely stressful on both sides when something doesn’t work out well. In this regard, the program was very fortu-nate to have enthusiastic and committed individuals and organizations, all simultaneously on board.


Appendix I - Program Format Summary | 15


I I -- Program Format Summary Program Format Summary

Program Title: Japan-America Youth Baseball Camp 2005

Program Launch Date: August, 2005

Program Timeframe: July 12 - 22, 2005

Location: Phoenix, Tokyo, Asahikawa & Sapporo

Participant: 10 American boys 13 to 15 years old from Phoenix area Approx. 100 Japanese boys 13 to 15 years old from Tokyo & Hokkaido 2 Diamondbacks Training Centers coaches 10 Japanese coaches from Tokyo, Hokkaido & the Nippon-Ham Fighters 10 host families in Asahikawa & Sapporo

Collaborating Organizations: 15

Participation Fee: Free, except for souvenirs, snacks, etc.

Insurance: Travel Insured International, Inc.

Sponsors: The Freeman Foundation, ANA-All Nippon Airways, Major League Base-ball Japan, the Arizona Diamondbacks Training Centers, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Phoenix Sports Center, Outback Steakhouse Japan & McDonald’s Company (Japan), Ltd.

Contact: National Association of Japan-America Societies, Inc.

Email: [email protected]

American and Japanese ballplayers try Sui-kawari at the Phoenix Sports Center in Asa-

hikawa on July 16, 2005

American boys on a busy subway on the way to Akihabara in Tokyo on July 13, 2005

16 | Appendix II - Preparation Timeline


II II -- Preparation Timeline Preparation Timeline

August, 2004 2004 participants left Seattle and returned to Hokkaido. September, 2004 NAJAS issued the 2004 program report, and began evaluating the 2004 program with the col-

laborating organizations. October, 2004 NAJAS and the collaborating organizations decided that the local organizer in Hokkaido would

be the Hokkaido Pony League Baseball, and started to work on the 2005 program to invite American ball players from Arizona.

November, 2004 A major program donor, the Freeman Foundation, inquired about the future of the program. NAJAS submitted a proposal for 2005 the following month.

February, 2005 The Hokkaido Pony League Baseball and NAJAS staff traveled to Phoenix to discuss the 2005 program with the Diamondbacks Training Centers.

February-May, 2005 Coordinated participant selection process, baseball camp agenda, and travel itinerary with the Hokkaido Pony League Baseball, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and the Arizona Dia-mondbacks.

March, 2005 Major League Baseball Japan agreed to provide maximum support for the Tokyo leg of the program. MLB Japan started arranging the agenda with various organizations, including the Chiba Lotte Marines, Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Hongo Middle School, Saitama Sakae Sumo Club, and the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo.

March-April, 2005 The Freeman Foundation and All-Nippon Airways provided their contributions to the program.

May, 2005 NAJAS staff visited Tokyo and Hokkaido to coordinate local activities in the respective prefec-tures.

Late May, 2005 Participant selection was finalized, and registration forms and participant information forms were completed by the participants. All the necessary arrangements in Phoenix, Tokyo and Sapporo were more or less completed.

Mid. June, 2005 NAJAS staff visited Phoenix for an orientation session with the participants, their parents, and other concerned parties. The Diamondbacks Training Centers provided facilities, as well as a workout session.

July 11, 2005 The Diamondbacks Training Centers hosted a pre-departure baseball camp for the participants and coaches at the Bank One Ballpark . NAJAS staff also held a pre-departure orientation ses-sion with the participants and their parents.

July 12, 2005 The participants left Phoenix for Tokyo for the baseball camp. NAJAS staff accompanied the group from Phoenix through the entire duration of the trip.

July 22, 2005 The group left Sapporo and returned to Phoenix.

American boys cheer the Yomiuri Giants at To-kyo Dome Stadium in Tokyo on July 15, 2005

American boys take on the high school national sumo champion at Saitama Sakae High School in

Saitama on July 15, 2005

Appendix III - Travel Agenda | 17

Japan-America 150th Anniversary Youth Baseball Camp 2004 Japan-America Youth Baseball Camp 2005

III III -- Travel Agenda Travel Agenda

07/11 (Mon) PM Pre-departure Workout & Orientation at Bank One Ballpark Phoenix

07/12 (Tue) AM Depart for Japan via San Francisco

07/13 (Wed) PM Arrive at Narita and Stay in Tokyo

Chiba Tokyo

07/14 (Thu) AM PM

Tsukiji Fish Market Tour Visit Hongo Middle School Baseball Team Clinic with Chiba Lotte Marines at Marines’ Stadium Meet with Lotte Marines Players

07/15 (Fri) AM PM

Sumo Club Tour Lunch with U.S. Ambassador Schieffer at the Ambassador’s Residence in Tokyo Yomiuri Giants Tokyo Dome Tour Game at Tokyo Dome Stadium (Tokyo vs. Yokohama)

07/16 (Sat) AM PM

Depart for and Arrive in Sapporo Depart for Asahikawa and Meet with Host Families Welcome Lunch at the Phoenix Sports Center Free with Host Families

07/17 (Sun) AM PM

Baseball Clinic at Pippu City Stadium Baseball Game with Asahikawa Chuo Baseball Club Opening Ceremony of the Phoenix Training Center Welcome Reception at Asahikawa Grand Hotel

07/18 (Mon) AM PM

Free with Host Families Depart for Sapporo and Clinic at Sapporo Tsu Dome Stadium Reunion Party at Sapporo Kaikan

07/19 (Tue) AM PM

Intramural Game at Sapporo Dome Stadium Fighters’ Dome Stadium Tour Pre-game Ceremony at Sapporo Dome Stadium Fighters Home Game (Hokkaido vs. Chiba)

07/20 (Wed) AM PM

Sightseeing in Sapporo City Fighters Baseball Clinic at Fighters’ Indoor Facility

07/21 (Thu) AM PM

Sightseeing in Sapporo City Fighters Baseball Clinic at Fighters’ Indoor Facility

07/22 (Fri) AM PM

Depart for the U.S. via Tokyo Arrive in Phoenix Phoenix

Hokkaido

06/11 (Sat) PM Program orientation at Bank One Ballpark

6/27 (Mon) PM First Group Workout at Bank One Ballpark

National Association of Japan-America Societies, Inc. 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Suite 1050 Washington, DC 20036

Tel: (202) 429-5545 Fax: (202) 429-0027

Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.us-japan.org

NAJAS

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