Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, Baseball Player, Yokohama DeNA BayStars
(The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation)
"Changing the Future of Japanese Baseball"
Leftfielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo is captain of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars team, and one of the most feared hitters in Japanese professional baseball. He is passionate about the game, and ensuring that baseball continues to be the nation's most popular sport.
The numbers aren't encouraging, as high school participation is declining, TV ratings are falling – when the games are shown on network television, and Tsutsugo says that the coaching of young talent also needs to change. On Friday, January 25, he will explain exactly how.
In Yokohama, game attendance is rising, and Tsutsugo's face and batting pose, along with other players, are captured on posters and wall murals across the city, where baseball has enjoyed a tremendous resurgence, along with the BayStars' fortunes.
The clean-up batter on Japan's national team in the World Baseball Classic will also update on the 2019 season ahead and Yokohama's chances, Olympic baseball in 2020, and if - and when - he will join other Japanese exports to cross the Pacific and play Major League Baseball.
Make your reservations early for one of the biggest hitters in the game.
5F Marunouchi Nijubashi Bldg., 3-2-3, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
Doors open for TV crew at 10:15, For all others at 10:30, still cameras included.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.
Professional Activities Committee
