Japan Women’s High Performance Players 2020 Announced

Posted by

The Japan Women’s Squad selection committee have confirmed today that 12 players have been chosen as High Performance players for 2020. All players were part of the National Squad in 2019 and will continue building on the foundations laid last year.

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 Women’s High Performance Players 2020

  • Kiyo Fujikawa (Sano Braves)
  • Koto Hiromori (Akishima Aviators Cricket Club)
  • Ayaka Kanada (Adore Cricket Club)
  • Ruan Kanai (Sano Braves)
  • Miho Kanno (Adore Cricket Club)
  • Akari Kano (Sendai University)
  • Yurika Kitamura (Adore Cricket Club)
  • Akari Kitayama (Wyverns Cricket Club)
  • Shizuka Miyaji  (Fuji Far East Cricket Club)
  • Erika Oda (Adore Cricket Club)
  • Nao Tokizawa (Keio University Cricket Club)
  • Mai Yanagida  (Wyverns Cricket Club)

Women’s National Team Sponsors

  • Tech Mahindra Limited

Tech Mahindra represents the connected world, offering innovative and customer-centric information technology experiences, enabling Enterprises, Associates and the Society to Rise™. We are a USD 4.9 billion company with 125,700+ professionals across 90 countries, helping 941 global customers including Fortune 500 companies. Our convergent, digital, design experiences, innovation platforms and reusable assets connect across a number of technologies to deliver tangible business value and experiences to our stakeholders. Tech Mahindra is the highest ranked Non-U.S. company in the Forbes Global Digital 100 list (2018) and in the Forbes Fab 50 companies in Asia (2018).

Tech Mahindra are part of the USD 21 billion Mahindra Group that employs more than 200,000 people in over 100 countries. The Group operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, after-market, information technology and vacation ownership.

  • Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd.

Mitsui Knowledge Industry Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. specialized in providing services and products related to ICT (information and communication technology). Partnering with various global ICT vendors and supporting more than 1,500 companies, MKI offers best-in-class solutions to customers.

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

All Official Cricket Suspended in May

Posted by

Due to the ongoing global crisis surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic the Japan Cricket Association is extending the suspension of all official cricket until at least the end of May.

JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji said: “It is disappointing for everyone not to be able to start the 2020 cricket season here in Japan, but we must put public safety first. We will continue to closely monitor the situation both in Japan and around the world and make decisions based on all the information we have. Until then we urge everyone to stay home and stay safe.”

The current policy of the JCA is to make decisions on a month by month basis and will make a further announcement around Tuesday 19th of May.

The JCA requests that all Regional Associations take similar measures.

Depending on how the situation develops, competitions scheduled for April and May will potentially be rescheduled for a later date.

We wish to thank the entire cricket community for their cooperation and patience with us during the unprecedented and extremely taxing times.

Mark Coles Appointed Japan High Performance Manager

Posted by

 

The Japan Cricket Association are delighted to announce Mark Coles as our new High Performance Manager.

Mark, whose last role was as National Coach of the Pakistan Women’s team, was selected after an extensive search and interview process which included more than 100 applicants from 17 different countries.

Mark, originally from New Zealand, also has the benefit of working within the East Asia Pacific region after two years in a similar role with Vanuatu Cricket from 2010-2012.

“I am humbled to be offered this position within the Japan Cricket Association. I have been watching the progress of the various Japanese teams with real interest over the last couple of years and to see the achievements being made, particularly with the Under 19 team, makes this a really exciting challenge which I cannot wait to get stuck into.” Mark said.

Mark will be at the forefront of developing the Japan National Squads and will play a mentoring role for all other coaches in Japan. A primary goal for the newly created position is to implement systems that can help players make the best of their talents while laying the foundations for increased levels of success in the future.

Along with this Mark will be offering his services to the wider cricket community for 1-1 coaching while also being involved in local junior programmes in targeted areas.

Although the start date of the position is on hold at present, we hope Mark can join as soon as travel restrictions are lifted and his visa is successfully processed. The Japan Cricket Association would like to extend a warm welcome to Mark and we hope his time with us will be a great success.

All Official Cricket Suspended in April

Posted by

Due to the ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19 the Japan Cricket Association has suspended all competitive cricket for the month of April. A further announcement will be made no later than Friday 17th April regarding activities from May. 

The decision has been made after considerable contemplation and having received guidance which states that gatherings involving people crossing prefectural borders should be avoided. 

Activities restricted to people from a low risk area, who have not travelled across prefectural borders, may still continue provided strong prevention measures are taken. These will be advised to all JCA run organisations / committees. Any other organisation planning activities should feel free to contact the JCA for guidance if required. 

The JCA requests that all Regional Associations take similar measures.

The following events will all be impacted by the above measures: 

  • Japan Cup Regional Qualifiers (Tohoku, East Kanto, West Kanto, South Kanto, North Kanto, Tokai, Kansai)
  • Japan Cricket League and other 40 over leagues
  • J-BASH practice session
  • Japan U19 & U15 Cricket Leagues
  • Men’s Japan National Team and National Academy Training Camp
  • Cricket Blast Edogawa Cup

Depending on how the situation develops these may be rescheduled for a later date. 

We wish to thank the entire cricket community for their cooperation and patience with us during the unprecedented and extremely taxing times.

PR Times confirmed as New JCA Partner

Posted by

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is delighted to announce PR TIMES Inc. as its new Press Release Partner.

The JCA Five Year Strategy 2018-2022 “Building a Brighter Future” aims to raise awareness of Cricket as an accessible, fun and inclusive sport, attracting whole new audiences. This partnership with PR TIMES, who specialise in the distribution of press releases, will contribute to achieving this strategy.

JCA CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji said, “We are excited to welcome PR TIMES as our Press Release Partner. The JCA aims to reach new audiences and PR TIMES is the perfect partner for that. The partnership with PR TIMES will enable the JCA to distribute press releases to a growing number of digital media as well as specialised media outlets in targeted industries such as culture, health, travel etc.”

National Trials Cancelled

Posted by

The below national trails have been cancelled due to the current threat of corona virus.

  • Men’s National Squad Trials (March 14)
  • Men’s National Academy Trials (March 15)
  • Women’s National Squad Trials (March 22)

Selection for the 2020 squads will be based on past performances in domestic competitions. However we will also take a much more flexible approach to adding players to the squad throughout the year if we see good performances in the JCL domestic competitions. We will also look to provide other opportunities where players can prove themselves and more information will be sent out about these in due course.

Under 19 Thank You Event – Cancelled

Posted by

The Under 19 Thank You event scheduled on Saturday the 7th of March has been cancelled due to the current threat of corona virus.

We apologise to everyone who were looking forward to the event and would like to thank everyone who supported the team taking part in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup.

We still have a limited number of replica shirts available so please let us know via the contact form if you are interested in purchasing one.

*For domestic purchases. Please contact us for the costs for purchases from overseas.
**There are only a small number of shirts available in each size, so we apologise in advance if we the stock of the particular colour and size of your wish runs out.

Recruiting: Japan Cricket Association Looking For High Performance Manager

Posted by

The Japan Cricket Association are today opening applications for the position of High Performance Manager to join our staff full time at the Head Office in Sano City, Tochigi.

The primary role of the High-Performance Manager is to develop National Teams and players that inspire the next generation of players and fans.
The focus of the role is to develop role model players as much as high performing ones. The role is also required to generate income, utilising the high-performance resources, to ensure that the high-performance programs can be sustained and further developed.

Reporting to the Head of Cricket Operations the High-Performance Manager will have four key areas in which to focus on.

1. Develop, Run, and Monitor High Performance Programs for the Japanese National Squads (Men, Women & Academy/Under 19), while being Head Coach for one of the squads.
2. Providing Fee-For-Service coaching programs within the community to ensure there are funds coming into the JCA via expert delivery.
3. Develop coaches within Japan, especially Japanese speakers.
4. Start new programs and initiatives such as a “Talent Transfer Player Program” where people from other sports are targeted to take up cricket and nurtured into a new environment.

To view the full job descriptions candidates should follow this link: https://cricket.or.jp/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/JCA-High-Performance-Manager-Job-Advertisement-ENG.pdf

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 3rd March at 17:30 Japan Standard Time.

Successful applicants will be contacted for interview on the week commencing Monday 9th March with second interviews the following week, if required. The start date will depend on the successful applicant, but as this is a new role in the organisation, and with the 2020 season starting at the beginning of April, we are hoping to have someone in place as soon as possible.

Due to the high volume of applications anticipated the we will not be able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

The salary offered will be dependent on experience and qualifications and in line with the JCA staffing structure as well as allowing for a comfortable living in Sano City.

Applicants should send their CV and Cover Letter by email to hpm2020@cricket.or.jp stating why they believe they are suitable for the role and what they can contribute to Japan Cricket. All applications should be in either English or Japanese.

The JCA would like to thank all those who apply in advance for their interest in Japan Cricket.

Dates Announced for 2020 National Squad Trials

Posted by

The JCA is happy to announce that the National Squad Trials will be taking place in March this year.

All the trials will take place at the Sano International Cricket Ground and there is an entry fee of JPY 1,000 for anyone wishing to take part.

Each day will run from 10:00 – 16:00 and players are expected to bring their own equipment. Upon registering, further information will be sent out one week before the event.

The deadline to register for all dates is Friday 6th March. 

Before registering we advise that everyone reads the National Squad Player Eligibility & Selection Policy (ENG). Although players who are ineligible are welcome to attend to gain some additional coaching, if you are familiar with these documents it will help avoid disappointment.

 

Men’s National Squad Trials:

Saturday 14th March.

Complete this form to register: https://forms.gle/gconsZrFffgyBZR26

 

 

Women’s National Squad Trials 

Sunday 22nd March.

Complete this form to register: https://forms.gle/HKW9MhaCnXytL3vi8

 

 

National Academy Trials:

Sunday 15th March

Complete this form to register: https://forms.gle/3aMaDscUBZjzda1v6

Note) To be eligible players must be Under 19 years old on 31st August 2021.

 

If you have any questions about these events please email the Head of Cricket Operations Alan Curr on: a-curr@cricket.or.jp.

Japan Earn Friends on World Cup Journey

Posted by

The Japan Under 19s may be leaving South Africa without a win after an eight-wicket defeat to Nigeria in their final match but have earned respect and made friends aplenty on this World Cup journey.

The players have rubbed shoulders with the best in the world in their age group, enjoyed meals and after match talks with New Zealand, India and England and will return to Japan wiser and motivated to ensure the 2020 World Cup adventure is not a one-off.

The team wish to say a huge thank you to all the supporters, especially those who travelled to South Africa, and those who sent messages of support through social media.

Speaking after the game Vice Captain Neel Date said: “The family members, friends and supporters of Japan cricket have really helped us keep going on this tour, we owe so much gratitude to them and are humbled by their ongoing support.”

In the 15th/16th place play-off Japan scored 115 in 42 overs with Shu Noguchi batting for almost 27 overs to score 31 and give the team a solid foundation. However, his run out and the accurate bowling of Ifeanyi Uboh made the difference for Nigeria, the seam bowler taking five for 23.

Japan had chances as Nigeria began their chase, and giving a life to Sulaimon Runsewe in the first over off Kento Ota-Dobell proved costly as he then anchored the chase with a 71-ball 56*. Ashley Thurgate had cause to celebrate, collecting his first two wickets of the tournament.

The players will begin their journey home tomorrow, arriving in Japan on Monday evening. The attention of the players and support staff will immediately turn to the 2020 season and ensuring the players can continue to fulfil their potential.

The JCA would like to again thank everyone for their support on this journey of a lifetime for our players. Japan have shown that we are an up and coming cricketing nation and hope this will be the first of many World Cup appearances to come.