“Japan Night” Event: Celebrating 150 Years Since the Introduction of Baseball to Japan

On Saturday, August 6, a commemorative event called “Japan Night” was held prior to a baseball game at the Ottawa Stadium. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the introduction of baseball to Japan from North America. Currently, Mr. Mitsuki Fukuda, a Japanese player is playing for the Ottawa Titans. The event was an opportunity to deepen solidarity with the local Japanese community through baseball.
 
During the “Japan Night” event, various Japanese cultural performances livened up the atmosphere at the stadium. Performances included Oto-Wa Taiko drumming and Yosakoi dancing. Furthermore, the national anthem of Japan was performed by Japanese soprano singer Ms. Noriko Hashimoto and Ambassador Yamanouchi performed the national anthems of both Canada and the United States on electric guitar. Ms. Melisa Kamibayashi-Staples, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association threw the first pitch.
 
In the game between the Ottawa Titans and the Sussex County Miners (USA) that was held after the commemorative event, the Ottawa Titans won 6-5.

 

Performance by Oto-Wa Taiko	Kochi Yosakoi Ambassador KIZUNA International Team in collaboration with KDC Ottawa
Ms. Noriko Hashimoto performing the Japanese national anthem	Ambassador Yamanouchi performing the national anthems of Canada and the United States
First pitch by Ms. Melisa Kamibayashi-Staples, President of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association	Commemorative event at Ottawa Stadium