Samurai Japan rehearsal match - U-18 team vs. University team: Score & results

Schedule

Date & Time: 28 August 2024, by 18:00 JST

Place: Hotto Motto Field Kobe

Livestream: J SPORTS 1, BS NTV, U-NEXT

Livescore: https://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/team/18u/score/20240828_1/

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U-18 MEMBER

Pitcher

#14 Sakurai Tsubaki (Tsuruoka East)
#11 Sakai Haru (Kanto Daiichi)
#17 Fujita Ryusei (Tokaidai Sagami)
#15 Nakasaki Rui (Kyoto International)
#16 Kesamaru Yuki (Hotoku Gakuen)
#1   Maki Ayumu (Hotoku Gakuen)
#18 Takao Hibiki (Koryo)
#19 Tasaki Ryuto (Konan)

Catcher

#12 Hakoyama Haruto (Kendai Takasaki) 

#27 Kumagai Shunnosuke (Kanto Daiichi)

Infielder

#5   Takayama Yujiro (Kendai Takasaki)

#6   Ishizuka Yusei (Hanasaki Tokuharu)

#10 Uno Shinjiro (Waseda Jitsugyo)

#7   Hanada Yuzuki (Chiben Wakayama)

#4   Yamahata Manato (Meitoku Gijuku)

Outfielder

#9   Tokumaru Kaisei (Osaka Toin)

#21 Sakai Ryoya (Osaka Toin)

#8   Hamamoto Haruto (Koryo)

UNIVERSITY MEMBER

Pitcher

#1   Teranishi Naruki RHP (Nippon Sports Science University)
#16 Shinogi Kentaro RHP (Hosei University)
#17 Fujii Yuya RHP (Higashi Nihon Inter. University)
#18 Nakamura Yuto RHP (Aichi Institute of Technology)
#11 Ito Tatsuki RHP (Waseda University)
#12 Takagi Hayato RHP (Chukyo University)
#14 Watanabe Issei LHP (Sendai University)
#15 Takasu Taiga RHP (Meiji University)
#19 Ichikawa Tasuku RHP (Nihon University)
#21 Noguchi Ren LHP (Kinki University)
#22 Sotomaru Azuma RHP (Keio University)

Catcher

#10 Inde Taichi (Waseda University)
#27 Kamizato Riku (Kokugakuin University)
#23 Kojima Taiga (Meiji University)

Infielder

#2   Yamagata Shu SS (Waseda University)
#6   Yanagidate Keigo 3B (Kokugakuin University)
#8   Shigenaga Akira 2B (Chuo University)
#9   Katsuda Naru 2B (Kinki University)
#25 Tateishi Masahiro 1B (Souka University)
#29 Matsushita Ayuto 3B (Hosei University)

Outfielder

#3  Nishikawa Misho (Aoyama Gakuin University)
#4  Iiyama Motomu (Risho University)
#5  Watanabe Seiya (Osaka Shogyo University)
#7  Yoshino Tsubasa (Waseda University)

Starting Lineup

BATTERY

U-18: Nakasaki Rui - Kumagai Shunnosuke

Univ: Nakamura Yuto - Inde Taichi

University Lineup

1. Iiyama Motomu (CF)

2. Matsushita Ayuto (1B)

3. Nishikawa Misho (LF)

4. Watanabe Seiya (DF)

5. Yanagidate Keigo (3B)

6. Yoshino Tsubasa (RF)

7. Shigenaga Akira (2B)

8. Inde Taichi (C)

9. Yamagata Shu (SS)

SP Nakamura Yuto RP

U-18 Lineup

1. Sakai Ryoya (RF)

2. Uno Shinjiro (1B)

3. Takayama Yujiro (2B)

4. Ishizuka Yusei (SS)

5. Hanada Yuzuki (3B)

6. Tokumaru Kaisei (LF)

7. Sakurai Tsubaki (DH)

8. Kumagai Shunnosuke (C)

9. Hamamoto Haruto (CF)

SP Nakasaki Rui LP

Score & Results

Team	2	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
University Team	0	1	0	0	3	0	3	0	0	7	14	0
U-18 Team	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	2

Battery

UNIV : Nakamura, Ito, Watanabe Issei, Takagi, Takasu, Noguchi, Sotomaru, Shinogi, Ichikawa - Inde, Kamizato, Kojima 

U-18 : Nakasaki, Tasaki, Maki, Fujita, Kesamaru - Kumagai, Hakoyama

News - SportsNavi (Yahoo!) updated their livescore service for Tohto League!

All leagues provided by SportsNavi (12 main leagues + 1 sub league)

As what they had reported in the news release per (8/22), Yahoo! JP sports service "SportsNavi" will be adding new service of live score report for Tohto University league (division 1 and 2).

Not only for the first division, SportsNavi will be covering for all games in second division too. First division including all games from six teams; Kokugakuin University, Asia University, Aoyama Gakuin University, Nihon University, and Tokyo University of Agriculture which just promoted into the first division for the first time since 31 years ago.

For the second division, it will be covering all games from six teams; Komazawa University, Senshu University, Toyo University, Kokushikan University, Takushoku University, and Rissho University.

But, a reminder that they will provide their service only for livescore information. There is no clear information that they will also providing a livestream service soon or later. But with this update, we have an opportunity to enlarge the hype within the Japanese University Baseball to the new fans through internet service and SNS, also to convince the service provider to make an improvement of their livestream service update soon.

Regardless, they are making such improvement in the university baseball this past year. We still had a hope here.

Except those leagues above, the rest of the livestream that has been broadcasted before in the University Baseball service will be continue on to delivering their all games in the incoming fall season, total of 11 leagues available to stream for free (Sendai Big 6, South Tohoku League, Kanko New Students League, Tokyo New University League, Tokyo Big 6, Shuto League (first division), Kanagawa League, Hokuriku League, Kansai Students League, Kansai Big 6, Kinki Students League)

Next information about Fall League that will be streaming on SportsNavi will be updated soon.

Source: https://sportsnavi.co.jp/news/2024/08/22/2613.html#

Samurai Japan U18 member 2024

Photo: Baseball Channel via Yahoo! JP

Incoming Events:

• Samurai Japan Send-off Match (Friendly match) - University team vs. U-18 team
• The 13th BFA U-18 Asia Championship

Samurai Japan Send-off Match - University Team vs. U-18 Team

Events: Samurai Japan Send-off Match - University Team vs. U-18 Team

Date & Place: 28 August 2024 - Hotto Motto Field, Kobe

Livestream : J SPORTS 1, BS NTV, U-NEXT 

Click here for more information about this match

Click here for information about Samurai Japan University team 2024

The 13th BFA U-18 Asia Championship

Events: The 13th BFA U-18 Asia Championship

Date & Place: 2-8 September 2024, in Taiwan

Participants:

• Group A: Korea, Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, Thailand
• Group B: Japan, Philipines, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka 

---

MEMBER

Pitcher

#14 Sakurai Tsubaki (Tsuruoka East)
#11 Sakai Haru (Kanto Daiichi)
#17 Fujita Ryusei (Tokaidai Sagami)
#15 Nakasaki Rui (Kyoto International)
#16 Kesamaru Yuki (Hotoku Gakuen)
#1   Maki Ayumu (Hotoku Gakuen)
#18 Takao Hibiki (Koryo)
#19 Tasaki Ryuto (Konan)

Catcher

#12 Hakoyama Haruto (Kendai Takasaki) 

#27 Kumagai Shunnosuke (Kanto Daiichi)

Infielder

#5   Takayama Yujiro (Kendai Takasaki)

#6   Ishizuka Yusei (Hanasaki Tokuharu)

#10 Uno Shinjiro (Waseda Jitsugyo)

#7   Hanada Yuzuki (Chiben Wakayama)

#4   Yamahata Manato (Meitoku Gijuku)

Outfielder

#9   Tokumaru Kaisei (Osaka Toin)

#21 Sakai Ryoya (Osaka Toin)

#8   Hamamoto Haruto (Koryo)

MANAJER: Ogura Masayoshi (ex-Manager of Nichidai San)

Source: Samurai Japan Official Website 

More details about each player: https://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/team/18u/2024/asianchampionship/player.html  

List of JP notable highschool player career paths plan

Per 8/23

Nakasaki Rui (Kyoto Kokusai) --> University

Sakai Haru (Kanto Daiichi) --> NPB (not decided yet)

Per 8/21

Ibaraki Yuta (Teikyo Nagaoka) --> NPB

Shobayashi Kodai (Kamimura Gakuen) --> NPB

Harata Atsuki (Aomori Yamada) --> University

Seki Koichiro (Aomori Yamada) --> University

Yoshikawa Yudai (Aomori Yamada) --> NPB

Per 8/19

Fujihara Yu (Taisha) --> NPB

Fujita Ryusei (Tokaidai Sagami) --> NPB/University

Iwai Tensuke (Shiga Gakuen) --> University

Per 8/17

Tagami Wataru (Yahata Shogyo) --> NPB

Takahashi Koga (Hokuriku) --> University

Shibuya Junki (Obihiro Nogyo) --> NPB

Ishida Jyuza (Hokusei Gakuen Univ. High) --> NPB

Nishikawa Daichi (Komatsu Ohtani) --> University

Uno Shinjiro (Waseda Jitsugyo) --> not decided yet

Per 8/16

Irie Shota (Ishibashi) --> University (Keio)

Tadaishi Kanta (Koryo) --> University

Takao Hibiki (Koryo) --> NPB/Industrial

Per 8/15

Sakurai Tsubaki (Tsuruoka East) --> University

Yamada Raioh (Chukyodai Chukyo) --> University

Per 8/14

Hakoyama Haruto (Kendai Takasaki) --> NPB

Takayama Yujiro (Kendai Takasaki) --> University

Ramal G. Ratnayake (Osaka Toin) --> not decided yet

Tokumaru Kaisei (Osaka Toin) --> University

Hirashima Kaichi (Osaka Toin) --> University

Sakai Ryoya (Osaka Toin) --> University

Per 8/12

Takeda Kaishi (Hokuriku) --> NPB

Hironaga Daichi (Kumamoto Kogyo) --> University

Per 8/11

Kesamaru Yuki (Hotoku Gakuen) --> NPB

Maki Ayumu (Hotoku Gakuen) --> University

Per 8/10

Chiba Yuto (Kisarazu Sogo) --> University

Nakamura Naiki (Miyazaki Shogyo) --> NPB

Arima Keito (St. Catalina) --> NPB

Koguma Shiryu (Sapporo Nichidai) --> NPB

Per 8/8

Ashiuchi Sora (Meiho) --> Industrial

Tasaki Ryuto (Konan) --> University

Per 7/29

Yoshioka Haru (Anan Hikari) --> NPB

Fukuta Shusei (Anan Hikari) --> Industrial

Nishizaki Kippei (Teikyo) --> University

Per 7/27

Tanimura Tsuyoshi (Wakayama East) --> NPB

Mori Gentoku (Gifu Shogyo) --> NPB

Katai Kaito (Nisho Gakusha) --> not decided yet

Nagami Kotaro (Tokyo High) --> not decided yet

Per 7/25

Saeki Kazuma (Tsukumi) --> not decide yet

Kobune Tsubasa (Chitoku) --> not decided yet

Per 7/24

Shiigi Keigo (Yokohama) --> NPB

Shibata Reo (Fukuoka Univ. Ohori) --> NPB

Shimizu Kosuke (Taikyu) --> University

Yoshidome Yuta (Kinki Univ. Vocational) --> University

Per 7/23

Sassa Kokota (Chuo Gakuin) --> NPB

Yamaguchi Reo (Sendai Ikuei) --> not decided yet

Suzuki Shun (Kyoto Kitasaga) --> University

Per 7/22

Fukita Shido (Hiromae Gakuin Seia) --> NPB

Moiseyev Nikita (Toyokawa) --> NPB

Ishimi Soma (Aikodai Meiden) --> NPB

Tanaka Ryoma (Asahikawa Jitsugyo) --> not decided yet

Per 7/21

Umezawa Shodai (Sendai Matsudo) --> not decided yet

Nakayama Gai (Sendai Matsudo) --> not decided yet

Per 7/20

Takahashi Teppei (Kanto Daiichi) --> University

Sato Shoto (Tokaidai Fukuoka) --> NPB

Fuji Yamato (Omiya East) --> NPB

Per 7/19

Masuji Sakunosuke (Mie Kaisei) --> University

Per 7/18

Konno Taisei (Hakuoh Univ. Ashikaga) --> NPB (not decided yet)

Araidai Hiro (Hachigaku Kosei) --> NPB (not decided yet)

Isogai Shunnosuke (Yokohama Shogyo Univ. High) --> University

Sawabe Takara (Kashihara Gakuin) --> University

Per 7/17

Imasaka Tomoki (Osaka Gakuin Univ. High) --> NPB

Shimizu Tomohiro (Osaka Gakuin Univ. High) --> NPB

Maeda Akiyoshi (Fukuoka Daiichi) --> NPB

Per 7/16

Yamauchi Yusei (Kitami Hakuyo) --> NPB & University

Per 7/14

Higashino Kaishi (Anamizu) --> not decided yet

Funami Shota (Kobe High) --> University

Per 7/11

Hagiwara Noa (Tobata High) --> NPB

Nakamura Shunei (Takigawa) --> University

Izaki Kyoshiro (Fukuoka High) --> Retired

Per 7/9

Kamikawa Hirohide (Tsurumine) --> University

Per 6/22

Hiratsuka Taiki (Municipal Gifu Shogyo) --> NPB

Reference : https://www.draft-kaigi.jp/highschool/high-draftnews/78335/

Samurai Japan U-18 : New Release of 2024 Member Candidates (Repost)

Candidate members starting their first training.
Source : Samurai Japan Official Website

As per (31/3), Samurai Japan official website has been releasing the list of candidates for the U-18 member that will be participating on the training camp start from 4-6 April 2024. Below is the list of players from the website parted up by pitcher, catcher, infielder, and outfielder category.

Brief report: I already tired to write another player reviews...

Yoriko reporting here. I guess I have reached my limit to write on player review each day for this Summer Koshien. It's my own fault for not writing it earlier before the start. But back then I was in a very weak condition that required a long rehabilitation (about two weeks) and back on my own shape since early August. Can't blame it tho my schedule on uni was so tight before it finally ends by the end of July...

And so, I perhaps pausing a while of my action to continue write on the reviews. But I will not stop to continue writing on the reviews, since most of the notable players are listed as draft candidate this year. Not gonna miss a slight of chance to keep an eyes on them. So I'll keep going for the reviews as a personal notes for the upcoming Draft soon.

Health is number one priority. I'm an athlete too after all. If I drop out my body health again, I will never have a chance to catch up what I have been missing these last months. Well, looks like it's already this late. Gotta go to the bed now so I wouldn't missed the early minutes of the game again like today.

How stupid of me after waking up on 5 AM but then proceed to sleep again while the game will be starting in an hour damn.

Anyway thanks for reading the latest review. I just hope I can give more explanation through notable players as many as I could. Guess I will have to be more active soon near October (the draft due is coming up soon). September will be my month to talk about collegiate prospect again yay ^^

Good night everyone and see you in the Day Three of Summer Koshien!

Summer Koshien 2024! Notable players to look up (Day 1)

Hakoyama Haruto, my favorite for this Summer Koshien

Tomorrow is the first day of Summer Koshien this year! Yaay!!!

Let me be excited first please I want to enjoy this annual hype I've been waiting for each year.

And then, since I did realize most of fans out there have no clue on who or what team to look up in this tournament, I will give you a guide through some of notable players this year (referenced from Draft Kaigi). Start from day one since I can't review all at once lol.

Game 1 : Arita Kogyo vs. Shiga Gakuen

First is Ishinaga Koki (石永煌希) from Arita Kogyo. He's actually capable to hold double role both as fielder and pitcher, but he's the ace of the team now. He started pitching in the game by second year, although the outcome wasn't that good. He started to pitches as SP in third year and showing a good improvement.

He began to decrease the hit count and pressing up the run he allowed from opponent below 2 runs, and unexpectedly stolen more K in one game. Had the stability as a SP and good control. Notable stats, he stole 12 K and only allowed 5 hits and 1 run in a complete game against Kanzaki (2024 Saga summer preliminary). He usually bat at 7th and was wearing number 7 last year, so we can expect more from his defense & offense.

Next is Iwai Tensuke (岩井天史) from Shiga Gakuen. He's one of notable shortstop that has been attracting pro scouters' attention and plays both as a pitcher too. His top speed is 144 km/h with a record of 125 m long-throw and 6.0s in 50 m track record. A powerful shortstop with strong arms and speedy legs. Not only that, he also bat at 3rd and recorded BA of .467 in the latest summer preliminary with an OPS of 1.223 in four games played on.

Game 2 : Eimei vs. Kendai Takasaki

Eimei

There are a lot of notable players I'd like to mention from Eimei, such as Seike Jun (清家準), Suzuki Sora (鈴木昊), Todo Aiki (百々愛輝), and giant sophomore Uegami Taiga (植上大雅). Seike is much a utility player which focused on position as a pitcher. Having a confidence in his breaking balls and topped at 143 km/h, he contributed a lot both in the spring and fall tournament last year.

In the final game of Kagawa summer preliminary, he had a notable stats as a SP, pitched a complete game against Takamatsu Shogyo and despite allowing 8 hits, he manage to hold up 3 runs and stole 10 K from Takasho's batters. 

For Suzuki and Todo (which already noted since last year as a rookie player), they both focused on the excellent batting ability. While Todo still hasn't put up a notable stats this summer, Suzuki recorded BA of .500 (10-20), 4 RBI, and 1 SB. Suzuki had his confidence on his speedy legs too (6.2s in 50m).

Uegami Taiga is a potential sophomore pitcher with a height of 190 cm and weight of 86 kg. He doesn't outstand so much in speed, but he has a nice form and quick-tempo of pitching, without showing any stiff movement. Of course since he's still in his second year, we can still expect more of his growth in the future.

Kendai Takasaki

The most highlighted player from this team, or even in this whole tournament soon, is the captain himself, Hakoyama Haruto (箱山遥人). A potential catcher with a brilliant leads, strong arms, and powerful batting. Already performed since second year, he managed to participate in Spring Koshien (Senbatsu) for two years in a row with his team.

His last stats in Senbatsu this year is .444 (8-18), 6 RBI, and OPS 1.056 in five games. In this year's summer preliminary in Gunma, he was become a sensation in internet when he hits a big homerun which was out of the stadium. His highlight of course lies on his powerful batting.

Not only the captain, two sophomore pitchers of this team were also contributed so much in leading their team as a champion of this year's Senbatsu. They are Ishigaki Genki (石垣元気) and the ace Sato Ryuga (佐藤龍月). Ishigaki has been shining bright this year, mostly performed as reliever and a SP sometimes. 

In the final game of Gunma summer preliminary, he started the game against Maebashi Shogyo. After pitched up to 6 innings, he only allowed 4 hits and 1 ER while stolen 8 K from the lineup. Topped at 153 km/h, he has a potential to growth even more in third year and further soon.

Sato Ryuga has become a solid fondation of the team as a young ace in his sophomore year.Topped at 146 km/h, he depends more on the breaking of his slider to make his opponent batters swung off their bat. He become reliever in the last three innings of Gunma final and stole 3 K.

Despite the glorious victory he got together with his team, unfortunately Sato had to be pulled off from the team due to his injury and will be conducting a surgery ASAP, and will be absent from this Summer Koshien :(

Praying for your speed recovery, Ryuga.

Game 3 : Gifu Johoku vs. Chiben Gakuen

There is a clean-up batter which also roles on as pitcher-outfielder, Nakamoto Haruto (中本陽大) from Gifu Johoku. He mainly performs as pitcher and sometimes as outfielder (RF and LF). He was started the game against Gifu Shogyo in the Gifu summer preliminary final.

Pitched until 6 innings, he came through a tenacious game against Gifusho while allowing 12 hits and 4 runs in total. Not only contributed in pitching stuff, he also often to bat in clean-up order (4/6th recently) but still hasn't show any progressive stats in his batting yet this summer (except against Gifu Daiichi he hit 1 for 2 in the game).

From Nara representative, there are Tajika Fuga (田近楓雅) and Chibana Rukia (知花琉綺亜) from Chiben Gakuen. Tajika is the ace of the team, which leading on as a pillar of the defense. Notable stats in Nara summer preliminary, he pitched alone in 9 innings full in the final game against Nara Daifu, allowed 10 hits and 4 runs while also managed to stole 9 K from the opponent's lineup.

Chibana is a utility-type fielder that mostly covered up all positions in infield area, but then he focused more on third-baseman position. Not only such a versatile ability in defense, he also had a big role in the offense. In the Nara summer preliminary, he recorded total BA of .400 (8-20), 2 RBI and 1 SB. Along with a stable batting and good defense, he totally become the team's foundation both as a utility player and a captain himself.

---

And that's all for tomorrow. You can correct me up in the comment or any else. And also I wrote this as a note for the upcoming draft soon, since maybe some of these player got noted from the scouters as well. Just get a well sleep and get ready for tomorrow's morning guys, we gotta be ready in a good style and bright face since it's Summer Koshien soon!

Data source:

• Draft Kaigi
• Draft Report
• Kyureki.com
• Omyutech.com

Muneyama and his unlucky injuries...

Just heard about Muneyama, that not only injured his right arm by that deadball pitch long ago, apparently he also got his right middle finger injured too during the spring season this year. After spending at least five games in the season and remained in the bench for nothing but the third rank for the team in spring 2024.

My fellow moots knew well how I faced Muneyama's term in such a love-hate relationship. But then in terms of serious case, I really got disappointed by this news.

I TOLD YA JUST REST WELL AND DON'T PUSH URSELF TOO HARD. NOW U FEEL THE PAIN AIN'T YA?

Not gonna blame the one who did hit him with the deadball, but still what an unlucky year for Muneyama even after his slump on third year by last year's season. To be honest, I really missed his sophomore stats back then (still a love-hate one since Keio got beaten up in a whole by Meiji too).

Back to the topic, I fear this might be affecting his value on the next draft pick in October. As the fans in X says, continuous injury might be sighted as a degradation for a player and even lowered their value on draft pick, especially on the rounder level they might get soon. As for Muneyama, he has been anticipated as one of first-rounders pick up since then, but looking up at his recent condition, he might get a lower rank or even so, the worst, not being picked up.

Never once in my life would to imagine a route of Muneyama going to the Amateur field, because of his high-level stats and bright performance as a player back then, of course anyone would think like that. But nobody knows what the future are. Even no one can predict this kind of happening would come. Even by myself.

But then I will be frank here. Muneyama still got his chance!

Beside his unlucky injury, if he managed to recover soon by this month, he still can participate in the fall season (September) in a full game! But only for a few games I expect.

Gladly his finger injury doesn't seem so bad and should have been recovering soon by the start of September. He even avoiding to participate to practice in the Takamori Camp to focus on his recovery. If he PATIENT enough, he might get the chances to play for a few games in the fall.

DO HEAR UR DOCTOR. JUST REST. JUST FUCKING REST MUNEYAMA. WHAT ARE U EVEN RUSHING FOR? ARE YOU IN A MARIO KART COMPETITION OR SOMETHING?

Another part is that I believe some scouters probably had already seen most of his potential in the field as a valuable player to pick up in the draft, even in the worst rank possible. Even with some injuries, if a player PATIENT enough to conduct a structured rehabilitation, they could rise up once more and perform well in the field as soon as possible.

Well, considering this part, I got this feeling that a certain yellow team in the NPB would give much money to develop their next 'Imamiya Kenta' in the future...

...

Even after all these possibilities, if he still can't manage to comeback soon, two years in the amateur league doesn't seem so rough for him. Some of potential player I've seen before had their rough time in the last year of college, but then soon comeback with an incredible performance in two years of amateur league.

Not gonna missed my chances to mention Shimoyama Yusuke (Keio Univ - Toshiba) and Yamada Kenta (Rikkyo Univ - Nippon Life) since I got upset by the downfall of them in the draft pick two years ago but look at them now! So proud and IM CRYING WHEN I WRITE THIS SENTENCE HWHSHWHDASHD

Shimoyama Yusuke in Intercity League 2024 as Mitsubishi East's compensation player

Note: Shimoyama got double title in the Intercity League such as Outstanding Player in DH category and Batting Award as he hitting .474 and recorded 2 HR in the tournament. He was also got his Rookie Award back then.

WAIT. I wouldn't forget to mention Namai Junki (Keio Univ - Hitachi) too! He's caught up pro scouters' attention! So proud of my RL Sawamura Eijun /sobs

Namai Junki, aiming for this year's draft after his long rehabilitation. Photo by Sponichi.

In the end, still nobody knows yet. But again, Muneyama still a young man at his age. If he serious enough with his path to the professional field, spending around two years in amateur league doesn't seem so bad at all. Even better, he might become such a high-value players no one could expect before.

And so, the key is only one.

JUST. FUCKING. REST. MUNEYAMA. RUI.

Love ya.

Summer Holiday = Watching Summer Koshien

Howdy, people. It's me Yoriko reporting. Today I was checking on my latest result of this semester, and guess what? Nothing missed on this semester. I'm free now from classes and assignment!

In fact my grade on Statistics was C but that's a relief and lucky things since my lecturer is a killer-type. You should have been grateful for that instead having E like my other classmates.

Nothing wonderful than surviving your semester on college even with the worst grade because I don't want to face that class or even some lecturer ever again.

Besides, I always thanks myself for surviving each semester along. Because what? Because after each semester ended, it's a sign that we are soon facing the most exciting part: A month of Summer Holiday!

Yeah. A month and a week long. Not so long, but at least one of the most grateful things that's ever granted to me as a student. Because the holiday always scheduled on the most right timing: August! The month of Summer Koshien! How wonderful!

Another facts that I was watching mostly all games from 40+ prefectures in the summer preliminary while doing my final assignment and study for my final tests. I always have been that hardcore. Always has been.

Don't ever remind me about Keio's last game. Never.

But that's the best feelings ever. Finishing up all your stuffs, and then after the result you just go to your bed everyday for a month watching Summer Koshien games. The-best-feelings-ever.

Thanks to my parents that have been paying my college, I didn't have to concern about college fees. I will do my best on college again next time.

And here we go again, the binge-time for Summer Koshien, and I will have to cover up for another articles again...

Don't worry. I just doing that voluntary. Might be a good practice for my future portfolio. Most of my covering area would be around notable players and daily report, I guess. JP HS Baseball will do the rest on X (Twitter) as usual. I just covering up some stuffs (since my specialty is college baseball).

Oh, yeah, not to forget about the lottery that will be held today(?) on Virtual Kokoyakyu site at 12 PM. I will be holding a space in X too to give an explanatory live (a recorded space) if I have some time to spare. Even if you missed the lottery, you can still following up the result later on their official website/SNS. I will be covering the result as well and posted it both in blog and X (probably Mala will be covering that first before me).

Anyway, that's for tonight. I just writing this because I didn't feel like sleepy to go to the bed. But I need to sleep soon. And yep, thanks for reading until the end. Perhaps this boring writing caught up your precious time at last but I really mean it.

See ya.

Samurai Japan U23 member 2024

Samurai Japan U23 Member Announcement
Photo : Samurai Japan Official Website

Events: U23 World Cup 2024

Date & Place: 6-15 September 2024 / Shaoxing City, Zhejiang, China

Participants:

• Group A: Australia, China, Colombia, England, Puerto Rico, Japan
• Group B: Korea, Taiwan, Venezuela, Netherlands, Nicaragua, South Africa

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MEMBER

Pitcher

#11 Nishimura Ohga (Chiben Gakuen - Toshiba)
#12 Nagakubo Kosei (Sendai Univ - NTT East)
#14 Sasamori Kosuke (Johbu Univ - Toshiba)
#15 Taniwaki Koki (Ritsumeikan Univ - Nippon Life)
#16 Goto Ryoju (Tohoku Fukushi Univ - Toyota)
#17 Sato Aren (Sendai Univ - TDK)
#18 Hayashida Yuto (Tsukumi High - Saibu Gas)
#21 Matsuda Kento (Nichidai Tsurugaoka High - Vital Net)
#28 Matsuda Wataru (Seisa Dohto Univ - Nippon Steel Muroran Sharks)

Catcher

#2   Arima Ryo (Kansai Univ - ENEOS) 

#9   Noguchi Taishi (Meijo Univ - JR East)

#22 Koyama Shoki (Asia Univ - Panasonic)

Infielder

#0   Yamada Takuya (Aoyama Gakuin Univ - Toshiba)

#1   Taura Yusuke (Kyushu Sangyo Univ - Miki House)

#3   Imazato Ryo (Senshu Univ - Nippon Steel Kashima)

#4   Takahashi Takanori (Chuo Univ - JR East)

#6   Ishii Takumi (Chuo Univ - NTT East)

#10 Aiba Kanta (Shizuoka High - Yamaha)

#26 Takata Kota (Kansai Univ - Nippon Life)

Outfielder

#5   Nishimura Shinnosuke (Senshu Univ - Yamaha)

#7   Yoshikawa Kaito (Keio Univ - Hitachi)

#8   Ura Kazuhiro (Hosei Univ - Panasonic)

#24 Hayashi Takuma (Nihon Univ - Nippon Steel Stainless)

#25 Murakami Yuichiro (Kyushu Kyoritsu Univ - ENEOS)

MANAJER: Kawaguchi Tomoyasu (Mitsubishi Okazaki)

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CAMP SCHEDULE

Date: 1-3 September 2024

Place: Honda Kasahata Baseball Field, Saitama

• 1 Sep: First practice
• 2 Sep: vs. Nicaragua Team
• 3 Sep: vs. Honda

Source: Samurai Japan Official Website 

Summer Koshien into 7 innings system?

I was reading this article two days ago about Koyaren (Japanese Highschool Baseball Federation) planning on decreasing the inning for Summer Koshien into 7 innings only, in case of preventing the heat of summer that has been a big discussion in kokoyakyu.

The article from Livedoor news about 7th inning systems

Of course this title itself tends to steal the attention from many people, especially kokoyakyu fans. The main intention wasn't a bad things, to prevent the players from playing on a tough heat of summer season. But then a lot of pro and contra comments comes up on X (Twitter), including another opinion that says it much better to do the Summer Koshien in another season and another stadium like indoor dome.

But then, I gotta say this. If it's not in Koshien and not being held in Summer, then it's not a "Summer Koshien" anymore. It is just a reguler annual tournament like Inter High. Not calling Inter High was mid or so, but Koshien itself had a very long history, and cannot be replaced just for the sake of adults fans.

Yes. The reason why I say it like that because of some random X user coming up into my quote about the article regarding of the topic for cutting off the game into 7 innings only through Livedoor News. For a clear context I will embed my post below.

みんなの意見によると他のドームでやれとか夏以外でやれとか聞いたけど、それじゃもう夏甲子園じゃないと思う。ていうか他の季節なんていつ？春はセンバツ、初秋はもう秋季大会し、もうそれぞれ予定が確定的。

やっぱ一番のは3-4時からのナイターゲーム。 https://t.co/BhTHz42bxW

— やきにく (@yknk_623) July 31, 2024

In brief, I was spitting out my opinion about rather than cutting off the inning and put the tournament in another date and place, why not just doing a night game where they can play from 3 PM? Another context I want to add exclude from this post is that Koyaren already planned a two separated schedule where the game played except for the noon time around 11 AM until 13 PM and has been conducting it for this year's Summer Koshien. And below this is @YusukeWada709 response to my post.

FF外より失礼します。そもそも甲子園球場は球児の憧れというのは間違いなく、大体に球児が甲子園での試合を希望しています

50人規模のアンケートですが、47人が甲子園で！と答えてます。選手ファーストを謳うならまずここを汲み取らないと話にならないですよねhttps://t.co/etZ0FyNpOh

— 和田優介 (@YusukeWada709) July 31, 2024

At first I was shocked since this is the first time I got so many replies at the same time and this long, but then I read it all and realize these all was a worth-to-read opinion that can be considered into the discussion.

In brief, he explains first that Koshien is in fact irreplaceable especially for the young players themselves. Since most of them are dreaming to play in Koshien as well thanks to the influence by notable pro players that has been playing on Koshien too in their youth time.

Then he explains some factor that might affecting the whole restoration through the place and system, like how much it would cost if we use dome instead or the right season and timing to do the tournament since kids also having an entrance exam to pass their favorite campus too in fall. All need a detailed restructuration for it and so it's kinda exaggerating opinion comes mostly from adult fans.

By the new system that separated the game schedule by morning and evening, it's already helpful to reduce the risk comes by the overheat of summer temperature and other possible fatal injury that could be happened later. Besides, for these past years, there are less report regarding fatal injury caused by the heat and injured players are treated quickly as possible in the field.

All players also having their long break time after 5th and another break for hydrating themselves during the game recently. Koyaren of course giving their best (at least) to prevent the most possible harmful thing to happen in kokoyakyu tournament and it's giving a slight improvement on kokoyakyu world itself. As long as the kids are accepting the plan that already been prepared and discussed by the committee properly, there's nothing to worry about.

Again, all of these are just a mere opinions that could lead into new discussion. No one's right and no one's wrong, we all just a human that couldn't have such a perfected plan but aside we can improved it to be better then. All we can do right now is supporting these kiddos on Koshien and not to give them a harsh words or discouraging voice but instead a charming and supportive voices for them to do their best in the game. Viva Kokoyakyu!