The Shikoku Island All Stars play the Ottawa Champions

 

Throughout June 2015, the Shikoku Island League Plus All Stars, who belong to the Japanese independent professional baseball league, toured North America to play against teams from the independent Can-Am League. From June 27th - 28th, the All Stars visited Ottawa for its final stop before returning to Japan.

 

On June 27th, the Ottawa Champions played the Shikoku Island League All Stars at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton (RCGT) Park. With the help of fans rooting and cheering from the stands,including Japanese nationals, Japanese Canadians as well as Ambassador and Mrs. Monji and Embassy of Japan staff, the All Stars won a 3-0 victory over the host Ottawa Champions. After the game, some fans had the chance to meet the teams.  

 

Unfortunately, the game on Sunday, where the Embassy’s Minister Karube was scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, was cancelled due to rain. Instead, players, league executives and members of the Japanese community celebrated at the farewell party held at RCGT Park. After Minister Karube gave opening remarks, players and guests mingled, while enjoying the chance to chat and have an international exchange through baseball.

 

For more on the the Shikoku Island League Plus, visit their website: http://www.iblj.co.jp/topics_detail1/id=5063

 

 

Ambassador and Mrs. Monji with the Shikoku Island All Stars at the stadium.

 

 

 

The teams stand for the singing of National Anthems prior to the start of the game on the 27th.

 

 

Fans were treated to a shamisen performance between innings

 

 

Ambassador Monji was in the stands cheering on the Shikoku Island All Stars

 

 

The Shikoku Island All Stars playing the Ottawa Champions

 

 

Fans cheering on the visiting Shikoku Island All Stars

 

 

The Shikoku Island All Stars meeting fans after the game.

 

 

At the farewell party on June 28th.