The Shikoku Island League play the Ottawa Champions 2nd Year in a Row

The Shikoku Island League plus All-Stars came to play the Ottawa Champions for a second year in a row, playing a 3-game series from June 28th to 30th. Ottawa was the last stop for the Shikoku Island League who had played against the other five teams of the CanAm League. Before the series started, Ambassador Monji held a reception for the Shikoku Island League at his residence. There the Ambassador, and commissioners of both the Shikoku Island League and the CanAm league gave remarks.

Ambassador Monji shakes hands with Mr. Morimoto, commissioner of the Shikoku Island League.	Miles Wolff, commissioner of the CanAm League gives a toast.

The Shikoku Island team dig in to the delicious sushi handcrafted by Chef Fuji.	The players gather with the Ambassador and his wife, heads of local community groups, and embassy staff at the end of the reception.

The Embassy had booths at every game. With the help of volunteers they gave out free mugi-cha (barley tea), showcased tourism in Japan and the JET Programme, and opened a kid’s corner.

Exchange students from Osaka give out samples of Mugi-cha (barley tea) to fans as they enter the stadium.	Embassy staff promote tourism in Japan.

The Shikoku Island League won the series 2-1. Each game was hard fought, every time being decided by a single run. The series was a huge success thanks to the exciting play on the field and the great cheering from both the Canadian and Japanese fans. The cheering section of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association (OJCA) and the dance group Minyokai brought a lively Japanese feel to the games.

The teams stand for the national anthems on June 28th, the opening day of the series.	The Shikoku Island League step up to the plate in the first at bat of the series.

Local dance group Minyokai showcases the Awa-Odori.	Players of the Shikoku Island League met fans outside the stadium every night.

Following the series, the Ottawa Champions held a reception at the stadium for the visiting Shikoku Island League where the team mingled with Ottawa Champions management and local Japanese associations.

The players of both teams, with management, pose with Ambassador and his wife at the conclusion of the series	Management of the two teams pose with the Ambassador and his wife.