Restarting of Cricket Activities

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We have now restarted Cricket activities that do not involve anyone travelling across prefectural borders, in certain locations. We will be considering restarting other activities from July onwards, based on the following principles:

  • Prioritize the safety of players, the people involved in activities and areas where activities will be carried out.

  • Follow the national and local government policies.

  • Take into consideration the situation of the area where the activities will be carried out and the areas from where people are expected to travel from.

Cricket activities that will be restarted will be announced as soon as the decision is made and a schedule is confirmed.

We ask for the support of all participants in following preventive measures.

Preventive measures for Cricket will be announced by the end of the June.

Cricket Blast At Home Series Starts Sunday!

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Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we aren’t able to run the Cricket Blast program in Akishima as normal this spring.

However, we do have some GOOD NEWS!

We have rallied the troops together, gathered some support from our national team members, and will be running a Cricket Blast at home program instead! Alongside this initiative, we’ve partnered with this site to help promote the program and provide additional resources for families interested in sports and community engagement. Now, anyone aged 7-12 from anywhere in Japan is able to join, making this a fantastic opportunity to connect young players across the country and broaden their experience in cricket.

Dates for the program are as follows:
June (21st and 28th) & July (5th and 12th)

9:00am – 9:30am (30 mins)

It’s free to take part!

There will be three sections: (1) a cricket activity, (2) a message from the national players, and (3) homemade cricket equipment.

Register on the Cricket Blast website and click “Akishima” and we will send you the link to join!
https://japancricketblast.com/blog/register-en/

*Please note: the program will be run online via Google Meet, and will be run predominantly in Japanese.

All Hardball Official Competitions Suspended in June

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The Japan Cricket Association will take the following measures on Cricket activities due to the situation of COVID-19.

  • All hardball official competitions, as well as any other Cricket activity (matches, camps, events, and meetings etc) in which participants gather from across prefecture borders: Cancelled until the end of June. Further announcement will be made around June 21 regarding activities from July.
  • Activities in which participants gather from within city or prefecture borders: if the situation and government policies in the local area allows the restart of sporting activities, activities may be considered to be restarted subject to appropriate prevention measures being taken.

The above will be advised to all JCA run organisations / committees. Any other Cricket bodies considering activities should feel free to contact the JCA for guidance if required.

The JCA requests that all Regional Associations take similar measures.

We wish to thank the entire cricket community for their cooperation and patience with us during this challenging time.

Ambassadors for Official Eyewear Supplier Selected

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The Japan Cricket Association are delighted to announce the following players as the Ambassadors for the Official Eyewear Supplier, SMITH Japan, for 2020.

  • Tsuyoshi Takada (Japan Men / Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Nao Tokizawa (Japan Women / Keio University Cricket Club)
  • Shu Noguchi (Japan National Academy / Sano Braves Cricket Club)

As Ambassadors each player will be provided with a pair of SMITH sunglasses to be worn at all national team training and matches. Ambassadors are chosen each year and serve in the position for a full season.

The JCA would like to thank SMITH Japan for their continued support, which has also increased to providing sunglasses to everyone in the Under 19 Team who recently participated in the Under 19 World Cup.

＜Tsuyoshi Takada＞- Full Interview Here

Born in Osaka in 1994, Takada attended Uenomiya Junior and Senior High School where he first took up cricket. He then attended Hosei University in Tokyo and has stayed in the capital for his working career.

He was first selected in the Japan Training Squad in 2010 but waited until 2013 for his debut. A regular in the Japan team ever since, Takada has played in tournaments around the world and also spent a season playing club cricket for Mount Waverley CC in Melbourne where he experienced great success. He began as a fast bowler before developing into an off-spinning all rounder and his batting has flourished recently.  He was Man of the Match in the 2019 JCL Final and the 2018 East Asia Cup Final where Japan won their first title. He is known to friends in Japan and throughout the world as “Takady”.

＜Nao Tokizawa＞ – Full Interview Here

Born in Tokyo in 1998 Tokizawa is currently a student at Keio University, which is where she also first took up cricket. She was selected in the Japan Squad in just her second year of playing and made her debut in 2019 at the 2019 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier – EAP held in Vanuatu where she was MVP in Japan’s first official T20 International win. Although selected as a bowler originally, during the East Asia Cup later in 2019 Tokizawa scored valuable runs and has proved herself a high capable all rounder and leader in the team.

Her hobbies include watching movies while her favourite foods are water melon and Goto Udon. He is known as Toki to all her friends and team mates.

＜Shu Noguchi＞ – Full Interview Here

Born in Tochigi Prefecture in 2003. Noguchi currently attends Gakuyukan High School in Tochigi Prefecutral. He has already been playing cricket for more than half his life, having started when he was in 1st grade at his elementary school in Sano, Japan’s first “City of Cricket”.

He was selected in the inaugural National Academy Squad in 2018 and participated in the 2019 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier – EAP which was hosted in his home city and which Japan won. He would then go on to be the leading run scorer for Japan at the Under 19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, where he opened the batting and showed great courage throughout the tournament. He is expected to be a key player for Japan in the future and was named as one of Emerging Cricket’s “Emerging Players to Watch” in 2020.

His favourite food is sushi and he drinks a lot of ginger ale. Outside of school work he also works part time for the Japan Cricket Association as a Groundsman and can often be seen coaching cricket to the next generation of junior cricketers in his home city of Sano.

SMJ Corporation is the distributor of SMITH, an American outdoor eyewear brand which is a world leader in snow goggles, in Japan. Originating from Sun Valley, Idaho, Smith was founded in 1965 with the invention of the first snow goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. With 50 years of innovation and design experience, Smith is widely known today as an industry leader that pioneers advanced eyewear and helmets that incorporate dynamic technologies, optimized performance and clean styling to fuel fun beyond walls. Smith seeks to power thrilling experiences and peak performance in outdoor adventures with a comprehensive collection that exudes modern style and vibrant personality.

Interview with JCA Official Eyewear Ambassadors ③

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Tsuyoshi Takada, Nao Tokizawa, and Shu Noguchi have been appointed as Ambassadors for the official eyewear supplier (SMITH Japan) of the Japan Cricket Association (JCA).

This year the JCA are promoting the true personalities of our National Squad Representatives so we have conducted a series of interviews with each of our Ambassadors. Here is our third one.

③Tsuyoshi Takada (JCA Official Eyewear Ambassador)

From fast bowler to spinner to batter!

Tsuyoshi Takada is an office worker in Tokyo. He was attended Uenomiya Junior High School and High School in Osaka, which had a cricket team. A sports fan from a young age, Tsuyoshi had played soccer and table tennis when he was a child, but he decided to give cricket a chance when he began Junior High School because, “I wanted to try something new!”

Even at a young age Tsuyoshi stood out as a fast bowler and, in 2010 at the tender age of 15, he was selected to join the National Training Squad. He had to wait for his debut as he, which came in 2013 while he was still in High School, on a tour to New Zealand.

While studying at Hosei University Tsuyoshi discovered that he was able to generate great spin while bowling and very quickly became an off-spin bowler and was still able to keep his place in the Japan National Team. This development was helped by a full season playing cricket in Melbourne during the 2016/17 season.

Throughout his time at University his batting improved steadily to the point where in 2019 he was one of the leading batsmen in the Japan Cricket League, winning Man of the Match for his batting in the JCL Grand Final. Tsuyoshi has many friends all over the world and is known in the cricket community as “Takady”

Below is a quick Question and Answer with Tsuyoshi:

“Winning the EAP regional tournament is our next goal.”

  • What do you like about cricket?

Takada: “I can make lots of friends from different countries.”

  • Did cricket help you while you lived overseas?

Takada: “Cricket piqued my interest in foreign countries and learning English, before cricket I did not know so much about different cultures around the world, but after I travelled on overseas tours with the Japan team I wanted to see more. When I studied in Australia for six months, I got to interact with people from various countries, and we all had cricket in common so making friends became easier. By knowing about their countries, cultures and values, I believe I was able to broaden my horizons.”

  • What was it like to live and study in Australia?

Takada: “I was able to put myself in an environment with a lot of cricket! Within 30 minutes drive from where I lived there were many high-quality grounds. In Japan there is really only the one in Sano City! I was able to visit many grounds easily for training, playing or watching various matches; from professional level to junior matches. Also, since the daylight hours were quite long in Australia, I was able to play on weekday nights which we cannot do in Japan and it was really enjoyable. Living in an unfamiliar, English-spoken environment was a little challenging, but with the help of my teammates, I believe I was able to make the most of the experience and had a great time.

  • You have been participating in international tournaments as a representative of Japan since you were in High School. What do these opportunities mean to you?

Takada: “International tournaments are great opportunities where I can test myself against high-level players from other countries. It is also a great opportunity to travel to new places.”

  • What is your goal as a Japan National Team player?

Takada: “Winning the EAP regional tournament is our next goal.”

  • Is there anything you focus on when you are unable to play, at times like this?

Takada: “My focus right now is keeping safe and making sure that those around me are safe as well. This current crisis is bigger than any sport, so I want to be sure that all communities are able to stay healthy. At home, I make sure I stretch my muscles and go for a run at night.”

  • Is there anything you specifically want to do when you are ready to go out again?

Takada: I want to play, train and visit my favourite place; Tohoku!

“Sunglasses are essential for fielders!”

  • What are sunglasses like for players?

Takada: “It is very hard to follow the ball when the sun is out, especially on a long day. So they are essential for fielders!”

  • What’s your favourite model of sunglasses?

Takada: “I use Reactor MK II from SMITH. I chose Impossibly Black because it is my favourite colour. I really like the design. Sunglasses are critical to protect your eyes from the sun, so I would recommend it to anyone who spend time outdoors.”

“Cricket is a great way to enjoy a sport and meet new friends from around the world!”

  • Lastly, please give a message to all readers.

Takada: “Cricket is an International sport and many people who have come to Japan from around the world play it. There are many formats of the game that make it accessible to anyone so Cricket is a great way to enjoy a sport and meet new friends from around the world!”

Interview with JCA Official Eyewear Ambassadors ②

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Tsuyoshi Takada, Nao Tokizawa, and Shu Noguchi have been appointed as Ambassadors for the official eyewear supplier (SMITH Japan) of the Japan Cricket Association (JCA).

This year the JCA are promoting the true personalities of our National Squad Representatives so we have conducted a series of interviews with each of our Ambassadors. Here is our second one.

②Shu Noguchi (JCA Official Eyewear Ambassador)

From the City of Cricket Sano…

Shu Noguchi, a High School student in Sano City, is one of the first generation of Cricketers developed through the Cricket Blast Programme. He joined the local junior club after enjoying the Cricket Blast Programme he attended at his school and he has never looked back. Shu has progressed through the Cricket Blast Series (Under 12), to the U15 League and now the U19 Cricket League. Developing into one of the best wicket-keepers/opening batters of his generation, Shu has accumulated MVP and Best Batter awards along the way.

He was selected in the inaugural National Academy Squad in 2018 and participated in the 2019 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier – EAP which was hosted in his home city and which Japan won. He would then go on to be the leading run scorer for Japan at the Under 19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, where he opened the batting and showed great courage throughout the tournament. He is expected to be a key player for Japan in the future and was named as one of Emerging Cricket’s “Emerging Players to Watch” in 2020.

Not only does he balance school work and playing Cricket, Shu also works for the JCA as a groundsman in the mornings, before going to school.

Below is a quick Question and Answer with Shu:

“Playing in the U19 World Cup was the best experience of my life!”

  • What do you like about cricket?

Noguchi: “I really enjoy the team aspect. Supporting each other towards a common goal of winning a match is very satisfying. The best thing I like about batting, is that a batter can hit the ball 360 degrees, wherever he likes.”

  • What have been the benefits of playing Cricket?

Noguchi: “Cricket has given me stamina and has also developed my hand-eye coordination. Especially as a wicket-keeper, you have to be very quick to catch the ball, so my reflexes are very good now. The international side of Cricket has also made me very comfortable when listening to English.”

  • How was it to represent Japan in its first ever Cricket World Cup?

Noguchi: “The World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport, where players from around the world gather to perform at the best of their abilities. Playing the top players in the world was tough as it was a big jump for us. Personally, I tried to stick to my game and gave it everything I had. I think my other teammates did the same, each contributing with their own unique set of skills. To be able to test our skills in that way was the best experience of my life!”

  • What is your goal as a Japan National Team player?

Noguchi: “First, we need to work hard to make it to the next World Cup, but if we do make it for the second time, progressing to the quarter finals would be the next goal.”

  • Is there anything you focus on when you are unable to play, at times like this?

Noguchi: “I’m staying home as much as possible. I’m also carefully washing my hands and gargling. It’s hard to train with bat and ball, so I try and train my Cricket mind watching many Cricket videos online.”

  • Is there anything you specifically want to do when you are ready to go out again?

Noguchi: “I do miss going to the movies, so that’s what I want to do when it’s possible again.”

“SMITH Sunglasses allow me to see the ball clearly”

  • What are sunglasses like for players?

Noguchi: “Each wicket can change the course of the match. You need to catch the ball regardless of where the sun is, so they are indispensable for a fielder.”

  • What’s your favourite model of sunglasses?

Noguchi: “Reactor MK II Fire, from SMITH. They fit really well and are cool. For me, Red Mirror is my choice of lens because it allows me to see the ball clearly. SMITH sunglasses are cool, so I would recommend trying one.”

“It makes me very happy when I play on a ground that I have worked on.”

  • Lastly, do you enjoy the work as a groundsman?

Noguchi: “Yes, it’s something I do enjoy. It makes me very happy when I play on a ground that I have worked on. When I played at the fantastic pitches at the World Cup, it made me want to develop pitches as good as them in Japan!”

Interview with JCA Official Eyewear Ambassadors ①

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Tsuyoshi Takada, Nao Tokizawa, and Shu Noguchi have been appointed as Ambassadors for the official eyewear supplier (SMITH Japan) of the Japan Cricket Association (JCA).

This year the JCA are promoting the true personalities of our National Squad Representatives so we have conducted a series of interviews with each of our Ambassadors. Here is our first one.

① Nao Tokizawa (JCA Official Eyewear Ambassador)

From beginner to National Squad in just one year!

Nao Tokizawa is a student at Keio University, one of the top universities in Japan which also has a thriving cricket club.

Originally from Tokyo, Nao had spent her childhood playing baseball and softball at junior and senior high school but upon starting at Keio in 2017 she decided wanted to try something new. Her natural talent for the game was immediately obvious and she quickly began to dominate the University competitions as well as standing out during the JCA organised Summer Camp that year. In 2018 she decided to attend the Japan Women’s Squad National Trials and was selected based on her clear ability with both bat and ball.

Nao continued to improve and was producing fine individual performances in both University and Women’s cricket competitions. She was so successful in domestic cricket that she was selected in the East Asia Pacific Representative team to take part in the Australian Country Championships in early 2019. Later that year she was able to make her international debut, competing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier – EAP in Vanuatu, and later on the East Asia Cup held in South Korea.

Nao excelled in both tournaments, earning a player of the match award in Japan’s first official T20 International when the team defeated Fiji during the World Cup Qualifier, and again at the East Asia Cup when Japan earned their first ever victory against Hong Kong, proving herself as a key player for the team.

For the future Nao is aiming to continue her development as an opening bowler. She said: “I want to be a bowler who can dictate the tempo of the game, creating pressure early on and helping Japan to many more wins in the future!”

Below is a quick question and answer with Nao:

“Cricket is a global sport!”

  • Has anything changed since you started playing cricket?

Tokizawa: “I’ve met people of various ages and nationalities, which has broadened my horizons. Since I have never been on overseas tours or done volunteer activities before, I have learned a lot.”

  • Have you ever found cricket useful?

Tokizawa: “I’m no longer in trouble talking to a native (English) speaker. I’m now able to have a chat on cricket topics. Cricket is a global topic!”

  • What was your experience like to play for Japan in international tournaments?

Tokizawa: “It was a great experience, but I felt a little nervous. I think, especially in the World Cup Qualifier, it’s a great opportunity to meet players from various countries which I wouldn’t have known about or travelled to if I hadn’t played cricket. ”

  • Please tell us your goals as a Japan international.

Tokizawa: “Consistently contribute to my team and to play as long as possible!”

  • Is there anything you keep in mind when you cannot play, like right now?

Tokizawa: “I try to watch many cricket videos. Since tournaments have been cancelled all over the world, matches of past World Cups have been streamed on some Facebook pages, such as ICC (International Cricket Council). I believe watching lots of match videos will be helpful when I actually return to playing.”

  • Do you have anything you want to do when you feel safe and ready to go out?

Tokizawa: “I’d love to go to the Sano International Cricket Ground, where I used to go for matches and to train!!”

“Sunglasses are ‘a must’ for cricket players”

  • What are sunglasses like for players?

Tokizawa: “It’s a necessity! When I take to the field, I often defend the boundary because I have a good throw and pretty good under the high ball. Catching is so  crucial to winning games and with a blue sky and strong sunlight, which reflects off the green grass, sunglasses are indispensable.

  • What’s your favourite model of sunglasses?

Tokizawa: “I love “Take Five Sports (White)” from SMITH. I feel comfortable with these sunglasses because the curve of the frame fits my face. The upper part of the frame is large, so there is no gap between my face and the sunglasses, which is also very comfortable! I would recommend these not only for athletes but also for anyone who likes outdoor activities!

“Everyone can be a shining star!”

  • Lastly, please give a message to all readers.

“Cricket has various roles in bowling and batting, so there is a scenario where everyone can play a leading role. I believe everyone can find a place where they can shine, so please give it a try!!”

National Squads for 2020 Announced

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The various selection committees have confirmed the players who have been chosen as Japan representatives for 2020.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic the National Trials were all cancelled and so the selectors will retain more flexibility than normal to add players to any of the squads at a later date.

To see the squads in full please follow the below links:

Our congratulations to all players and we hope to see them all playing cricket again soon.

Japan National Academy 2020 Announced

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The selection committee for the Japan National Academy has confirmed today that 19 players have been chosen to form the basis of the squad for 2020.

The selectors expect a number of players to be added to the squad once the cricket season commences and more players are able to be assessed.

Japan National Academy 2020

  • Tushar Chaturvedi (Chiba My-Ys Cricket Club)
  • Ryan Drake (Mosman Cricket Club)
  • Ishaan Fartyal (Chiba My-Ys Cricket Club)
  • Jamie Fordyce (Lions Club)
  • Jonah Humphries (South Brisbane Cricket Club)
  • Leon Mehlig (Chiba My-Ys Cricket Club)
  • Masato Morita (Akishima Aviators Cricket Club)
  • Manav Natarajan (MIB Cricket Club)
  • Shu Noguchi (Sano Braves)
  • Riku Obikane (Akishima Aviators Cricket Club)
  • Aoto Okajima (Akishima Aviators Cricket Club)
  • Kento Ota-Dobell (Brown Hill Cricket Club)
  • Yugandhar Rethrekar (Chiba My-Ys Cricket Club)
  • Debashish Sahoo (Chiba My-Ys Cricket Club)
  • Kazuma Stafford (Akishima Aviators Cricket Club)
  • Reiji Suto (Sano Braves)
  • Kazumasa Takahashi (Sano Braves)
  • Shotaro Takahashi (Sano Braves)
  • Ashley Thurgate (Chiba My-Ys Cricket Club)

Japan Men’s National Squad 2020 Announced

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Sora Ichiki

The selection committee for the Japan Men’s Squad has today confirmed the 20 players below as part of the official training squad for 2020.

The group includes new faces in Neel Date and Sora Ichiki who have been promoted from the National Academy Squad after excelling for the Under 19 team during the Under 19 World Cup.

Musashi Yamamoto, the former professional baseballer, is also included for the first time after a successful winter playing cricket in Brisbane, Australia.

 

 

 

Japan Men’s National Squad 2020

  • Neel Date (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Sora Ichiki (Akishima Aviators Cricket Club)
  • Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Shogo Kimura (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Masaomi Kobayashi (MAX Cricket Club)
  • Kohei Kubota (Keio University Cricket Club)
  • Akira Kuribayashi (Ryukoku University Cricket Club)
  • Rui Matsumura (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Naotsune Miyaji (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Wataru Miyauchi (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Daichi Motoyama (International Buddhist University Cricket Club)
  • Tomoki Ota (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Muneeb Siddique Mian (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Tsuyoshi Takada (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Makoto Taniyama (MAX Cricket Club)
  • Nozomi Tomizawa (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Marcus Thurgate (Chiba Sharks Cricket Club)
  • Souta Wada (Osaka Raiders Cricket Club)
  • Kohei Wakita (International Buddhist University Cricket Club)
  • Musashi Yamamoto (Sano Cricket Club)

Men’s National Team Sponsors

Queserser’s company ethos is “Hello Worlds!”, aiming to provide value through creative designs which integrate various world views. For a design to create value and to evolve as a strategy, it is essential that it continually incorporates various cultural backgrounds. Queserser strives to increase the value of their work and provide a variety of options and points of difference to clients through its “One Country, One Branch” strategy. Queserser currently has offices in Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Fukushima, Singapore, India, Korea, and Belgium.