Club Objectives
- Create a supportive and fun environment that gives youth an opportunity to develop their skills and to learn about their history and heritage
- Provide training and mentorship opportunities for youth
- Organize and participate in exhibition games and tournaments with baseball teams in Canada, Japan and the USA
- Give Nikkei youth an opportunity to connect with other Nikkei youth and families and the opportunity to be involved in the Japanese Canadian community
- Provide a forum for the community to come together to celebrate the sport of baseball
- Help new immigrants and families of Japanese expats engage and international students integrate into the Canadian community
Projects and Programs
- Annual Asahi Legacy Game: On October 11, 2014, the Club hosted the inaugural Tribute Game with the Shin Asahi baseball team, players aged 13 – 15. The last remaining Asahi player, Kay Kamanishi, and about 150 participants watched the team play as they came back from a 9 – 2 deficit against the District 6 Saints. We now showcase all our age categories at the Legacy Game annually to keep memory of the Asahi alive, to instill a sense of tradition and leadership with our team and club members. Fundraising budget: $5,000 to cover event related expenses.
- Training Sessions: Started in January 2015, boys and girls aged 9 – 15, interested in developing baseball skills, meeting other Nikkei players and having fun have joined our training sessions. Baseball experience is not necessary. Instruction is in both English and Japanese and is provided by volunteers. A small fee is charged to help the club cover its expenses. Sessions are held at an indoor facility. Fundraising budget: $2,000 for equipment costs and facility rentals and insurance.
- Bi-Annual Japan Tour: Started in March 2015, the Association’s Shin Asahi team takes fifteen players aged 13 to 15, to Japan to play games and for a cultural experience. The team has built many lasting relationships with players, coaches and associations between Japan and Canada. The Club has run this tour in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2023 and has already working towards the 2025 trip. Bi-Annual Fundraising budget: $20,000 to help defer costs in sending the team overseas.