Vanuatu End Japan’s World Cup Qualifying Dreams

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The Women’s Japan National Team fell 22-runs short in their efforts to make the Final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Suva, Fiji.

After Rachel Andew made 72* to lead Vanuatu to an imposing total of 156 for one after 20 overs, Japan made a solid start but were unable to maintain momentum against the Vanuatu bowlers. 

The defending champions will next take on tournament favourites Papua New Guinea in the final on Monday.

Japan will also be in action on Monday, contesting the 3rd place play off against an Indonesia side ranked 20th in the world.

The results page on the ICC website

 

National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media

Ota Stars as Japan Defeat Philippines

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Kurumi Ota scored her first half century for the national team, and picked up two wickets to wrap up a big win against the Philippines at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Suva, Fiji.

The victory, by 111 runs, is Japan’s biggest ever in terms of runs and books a place in tomorrow’s semi-final against defending champions Vanuatu. 

Batting first, Japan posted their highest ever total in official T20 Internationals of 158 for four, with Ota unbeaten on 57 from just 41 balls, well supported by Seika Sumi who made 22 from 18. 

With the ball Japan shared the wickets around with Ota, (two for three), Erika Toguchi-Quinn (two for seven) and Ayumi Fujikawa (two for 11) did most of the damage to dismiss the Philippines for 47.

It has been eight years since Japan last defeated Vanuatu, so a victory would be a landmark occasion and book their place in the final.

The results page on the ICC website

 

National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media

Near Perfect Outing Gives Japan Big Win Over Samoa

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The Women’s Japan National Team enjoyed a near perfect day as they defeated Samoa by 71 runs on Match Day Two of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Suva, Fiji.

Batting first this time, Japan made a steady start as Erika Oda (27) and Mai Yanagida (40) led the team to 62 for two at the end of the 11th over.

Haruna Iwasaki again provided an injection of power to the scoring, hitting 24 from 18 balls as Japan ended the 20 overs on 133 for five.

In the field the team were much improved from day one, and although Samoa made it to 20/0 in the first three overs, Japan roared back via Nonoha Yasumoto.

The left-armer took two wickets in the fourth over and would finish with her joint best international bowling figures of four for 11 in her four overs as Japan swiftly dismissed all ten Samoa batters for just 62 in the 14th over.

The win means a Japan win over the Philippines in their final group game on Friday will put them into the Semi-Finals.

The results page on the ICC website

 

National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media

PNG Too Good for Japan on Match Day One

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The Women’s Japan National Team fell to a 46-run defeat at the hands of tournament favourites Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Day One of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Suva, Fiji.

PNG chose to bat first and Japan were punished for missing several chances as openers Konio Oala (50 from 39 balls) and Naoani Vare (43 from 50) got PNG off to a great start. 

They ultimately posted a score of 139 for four from their 20 overs, and Japan struggled to impose themselves. 

The game was won during a 15-ball spell from the end of the 8th over to midway through the 10th as PNG took five wickets for just five runs. 

Although Japan countered through 31 from 17 balls by Haruna Iwasaki, PNG took the final wicket in the 20th over as Japan were all out for 93

The results page on the ICC website

 

National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media

(Repost) Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Cricket Competition – Call for Specialist Volunteers

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The 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in and around Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture from September 2026, is now accepting applications for specialist volunteers for the cricket competition.

Those with playing experience or umpiring qualifications are especially welcome, as are all cricket enthusiasts.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with athletes from around the world and experience diverse cultures together.

We look forward to your participation in helping support the success of the Games.

 

【Overview】

  • Activity Location: Kōrogi Sports Park, Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture
  • Activity Period: September 17 (Thu) – October 3 (Sat), 2026

(Including test events and pre-competition preparation days)

  • Main Activities:

Tasks at match and practice venues within the park, including support for athletes, umpires, and staff; equipment transport and setup; lounge operations; guidance and information services.

  • Eligible Participants:

Individuals with experience in playing cricket, certified umpires, and cricket enthusiasts

  • Provided:

Uniform, meals on activity days, volunteer insurance, transportation allowance (1,000 yen/day), volunteer certificate (upon request)

  • Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (Friday)

【Eligibility Requirements】

Applicants must be 18 years or older as of April 1, 2026, and must be able to participate in training and related activities.

＊For further details, please refer to the official volunteer website.

【How to Apply】

Please apply via the “Specialist Volunteers” green banner on the official volunteer site below:

https://www.volunteer-aichi-nagoya2026.com

  • When applying, entering the identification code SPT810 is mandatory.
  • Sharing this code on social media or any public platform is strictly prohibited.
  • For those coming from distant areas, additional transportation support and accommodation arrangements may be considered depending on conditions.

＊The volunteer application site is available in Japanese only.

 

Contact Information

Organizing Committee of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian and Asian Para Games

Cricket Section

Tel (main): 052-684-7257 / Direct: 050-3301-0224

Email: mikako_ito@aichi-nagoya2026.org

Office Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on weekends and holidays)

Vivien Field: Seventh Cricket Without Borders Placement Takes on Japan

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After celebrating a decade-long partnership between the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) and Cricket Without Borders (CWOB), it was only fitting to welcome another member to Japan. This year, we were thrilled to host Vivien Field, marking the seventh CWOB placement with the JCA.

Vivien previously toured Malaysia with CWOB, where she shared the field with two Japanese National Women’s Team players, Elena Kusuda-Nairn and Meg Ogawa.

During her time in Japan, Vivien made an impact across multiple events, including supporting the first-ever Junior Female Tournament, a milestone for women’s cricket in the country. The tournament also featured fellow CWOB players Jemima Cartin and Abby Collihole, along with their manager, Marcella Torre; a sincere thanks to Ken Jacobs for his support in preparing Vivien’s placement, and for sending two talented players and a dedicated manager to participate in the Junior Female Tournament, helping make the event truly special.

In addition to her off-field contributions, Vivien also showcased her skills on the pitch, receiving an invitation to compete in the Women’s Japan Premier League (WJPL) – 3rd Edition, where a previous CWOB placement, Chelsea Moscript, was also a part of.

Reflecting on her experience, Vivien shared:

“I had an incredible time and I think the experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, and really showed that it pays to say yes and do things which are a bit scary! I’m so glad and grateful for the placement and I know I will always have super cool memories from the trip.”

Vivien’s placement exemplifies the strong bond between CWOB and the JCA, and highlights the opportunities that arise when cricket brings people and cultures together. Her journey adds another inspiring chapter to our shared mission of growing women’s cricket across borders.

Men’s Team for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier Announced

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The Men’s Japan National Team will travel to Oman on 30th September for the ICC T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier, where nine teams will fight for three places at the T20 World Cup.

The team is made up of 15 players who will play two warm-up matches against Samoa and United Arab Emirates (UAE) before featuring in Group B against Kuwait and Nepal. 

Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming again captains the team while Esam Rahman is in line to make his international debut after impressing the selectors on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. 

Two teams will advance from each of the three groups and play matches against the remaining four teams to decide the qualifiers.

The travelling team is as follows:

  • Abhishek Anand (Tokyo Falcons Cricket Club)
  • Benjamin Gou Ito-Davis (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Charles Hara-HInze (Northern Suburbs Cricket Club)
  • Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Wataru Miyauchi (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Esam Rahman (ACT Comets)*
  • Sabaorish Ravichandran (Tigers Cricket Club)
  • Reo Sakurano-Thomas (Sano Cricket Club)
  • Abdul Samad (Tokyo Wombats Cricket Club)
  • Alexander Shirai-Patmore (Sano Cricket Club)
  • Shoma Sugaya-Slater (Melville Cricket Club)
  • Declan Suzuki-McComb (Sano Cricket Club)
  • Ibrahim Takahashi (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Makoto Taniyama (Sano Cricket Club)
  • Lachlan Yamamoto-Lake (Sano Cricket Club)

*Selected for the first time

The full match schedule is as follows: 

Warm Up Matches:

  • 3rd October (Friday) 19:00 Japan vs Samoa 
  • 5th October (Saturday) 14:30 Japan vs UAE 

Tournament Matches:

  • 9th October (Thursday) 14:30 Japan vs Kuwait 
  • 10th October (Friday) 14:30 Japan vs Nepal 

*Oman is 5 hours behind Japan

Other Groups:

  • Group A : UAE, Malaysia, Qatar
  • Group C : Oman, PNG, Samoa

All tournament matches can be watched live on ICC.tv while matches can also be followed live on the JCA App. 

Good luck boys! 

(Due to circumstances regarding the JCA website, the announcement of the squad was delayed. We sincerely apologize for this.)

 

Men’s National Team Partner

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MKI) specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 2,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

Website: https://www.mki.co.jp/english/

JCA Official Social Media

Japan Defeat Indonesia to Conclude U16 East Zone Cup

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The Men’s Japan Under 16 team rounded off their ACC East Zone Cup experience with a win by four wickets over Indonesia to finish third in the group.

After Indonesia won the toss and chose to bat, Japan made quick inroads as Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett struck in successive deliveries in the third over.

From then on the remaining eight wickets all fell to spin, although there were encouraging bursts by Sam Robinson and Eric Harrison, the latter who forced a batter to leave the field after striking him on the helmet.

Hugo Tani-Kelly (four for 14) and Juto Ball (four for eight) were the spinners who did the damage, collecting four wickets each as Indonesia were bowled all out for just 61 in 21.5 overs.

Japan made hard work of the chase, looking like a team who knew the result would not impact their progress in the tournament.

Kobayashi-Doggett top-scored with 19, meaning the result was never really in doubt, but a flurry of poor shots left them six wickets down, but with such a small target to chase they were able to scramble over the line and finish the tournament with two wins and two losses.

The full match schedule is as follows: 

*Match times are JST

**Matches are 50 overs

HIGHLIGHTS

All matches will be shown live on the Asia Cricket Council YouTube Channel 

JCA Official Social Media

 

Singapore U16s Edge Thriller Against Japan

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The men’s Japan Under 16 team fell to a narrow defeat against Singapore, despite an outstanding all round performance by captain Charlie Hara-Hinze.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Japan were in trouble early for the second game in succession.

At 29 for three they needed something special and Hara-Hinze combined with Skyler Nakayama-Cook in a rebuilding partnership of 117 from 180 balls as both registered their first half-centuries for Japan.

The captain struck four sixes on his way to a career best 77 from 81 balls, while Nakayama-Cook played the supporting role with 50 from 119, including four boundaries.

However, once the captain was dismissed off the first ball of the 41st over, Japan fell from a well-placed 146 for three to 165 all out as Singapore took the last seven wickets for just 19 runs in 31 balls.

Yuvaan Pandey finished things off with four for 27, but it was Kapish Venkatraman who did the real damage, his four for 41 included three in a calamitous 41st over which turned the contest on its head.

Singapore made a fast start with the bat, racing to 22 in the third over before Kaisei Kobayashi-Doggett made the breakthrough, which Charlie Hara-Hinze backed up the very next ball as suddenly Singapore were 22 for two.

Momentum shifted back Singapore’s way as captain Riaan Naik went on the offensive and as the hundred came up with Singapore still only three wickets down, it looked like a straightforward run chase.

However Japan roared back into the contest in the 23rd over as Juto Ball spun two in a row through the batters defences to make the score 108 for five.

Three overs later Charlie Hara-Hinze bowled another around his legs before Hugo Tani-Kelly trapped a seventh LBW with the score on 138 and Japan still hanging on with three wickets needed.

Naik remained unmoved however, and Japan were left to rue several chances to dismiss the Singapore captain, who finished the game with a six over midwicket to end 97 not out from just 90 balls. The next highest score was just 11.

The result means Singapore can claim second place and a spot in the semi finals if they defeat Bhutan on Thursday, while Japan are next in action on Tuesday 1st July against Indonesia in a contest which may well be a dead rubber.

HIGHLIGHTS

The full match schedule is as follows: 

*Match times are JST

**Matches are 50 overs

All matches will be shown live on the Asia Cricket Council YouTube Channel 

JCA Official Social Media

 

A Courtesy Visit to Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture

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On Tuesday, June 16, 2025, Naoki Miyaji (CEO) and Tetsuro Fuji (CSSO) of the Japan Cricket Association paid a courtesy visit to Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, which has been confirmed as the host of Cricket at the 2026 Asian Games. There they met with Mayor Hirotaka Kondo and Superintendent of the Board of Education, Mr. Kenji Iwata. Together they exchanged ideas on promoting Cricket.

Using cricket equipment including, modified ones, they introduced the basics of the sport and exchanged views on collaboration and cricket promotion in Nisshin and the surrounding area. They also donated a modified Cricket set to the City.

JCA will continue working with Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, and related organisations to ensure the success of the 2026 Asian Games and to advance international exchange and the development of cricket in Japan.