TOKYO, Aug 21 (News On Japan) - A baseball tournament for players under the age of 18, named 'Asia Koshien,' will be held for the first time in Indonesia this December, as announced at a press conference in Tokyo.
The event was organized by Shogo Shibata, a former professional baseball player who played as a developmental player.
Shibata, who has battled the rare Behçet's disease, participated in the Summer Koshien while attending Aikodai Meiden High School.
Shibata aims to continue spreading the culture of Japanese high school baseball in Southeast Asia, where baseball's recognition is low, and to promote the appeal of baseball and sports in general.
Shibata expressed, "Rather than just hosting a baseball tournament, I want to bring the essence of Koshien to Asia."
The inaugural tournament will be held in December in Jakarta, Indonesia, with eight teams participating.
An exhibition match recreating 'Koshien,' featuring former Japanese high school players and a brass band, is also planned.
Source: ANN
