Start of the 20th Nakano/ Xicheng Friendship Youth Baseball Tournament
Since 1990, the Nakano/ Xicheng Friendship Youth Baseball Tournament had been held in Xicheng, Beijing for a total of 17 times. This time marked the 3rd time it will be held in Nakano. Beijing’s Yucai School’s baseball team is expected to play.
On Aug 1st, 2 games were held at the Tetsugakudo Park Baseball Field. 1 game and a friendly match were held at the Kamitagata Baseball Field the following day. On both days, temperatures were expected to rise above 35c, so special care was ensured to prevent heat stroke.
All Nakano is comprised entirely of 6th year elementary students while Xicheng’s Yucai School’s team is mixed combining years 2 through 5 elementary students. Without giving into the heat, they sure put on an amazing show for us.
[Welcoming Ceremony at the Momozono Elementary School]
The friendly match that took place at Nakano-ku’s Momozono Elementary school also had the school’s brass band welcome the incoming team from Xicheng, Beijing.
Performances of “Red River Valley”, “Daydream Believer”, as well as a choral rendition of “Umiwa Furusato” were done to perfection. “Umiwa Furusato” is actually a Chinese song. When the song started, the team from China stood up and began signing along. It was a beautiful scene for all.
