HILO, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Hilo Baseball hosts Chuo University Junko (semi-hardball) Baseball of Tokyo, Japan for a pair of exhibition games this weekend at James "Jimmy" Correa Ballfield at Dr. Francis F.C. Wong Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
This weekend marks a return trip for Chuo after previously visiting in 2017. A planned 2020 visit was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chuo arrived to the Big Island on Thursday night for a welcome dinner at the Hawai'i Japanese Center where players also toured museum exhibits highlighting the history and cultural contributions of Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans in Hawai'i and the Big Island.
"Baseball has served as a bridge between our cultures. These exhibition games are more than just competition — they're an opportunity for international friendship and a celebration of the game we all love," Hawai'i Hilo Baseball interim head coach Garett Yukumoto said. "We wish Chuo a memorable stay in Hilo, and let's make these games a memorable experience for all our players, staff and our community."
Thursday's welcome dinner also featured remarks from mayor Kimo Alameda, UH Hilo chancellor Dr. Bonnie Irwin, Vulcans director of athletics Patrick Guillen, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Hilo Art Taniguchi, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai'i 1st vice president Mitchell Dodo and Japanese Community Association of Hawai'i president Burt Tsuchiya. Both games will feature first pitch ceremonies with Alameda and Taniguchi on Friday and Dodo and Burt on Saturday.
CHUO UNIVERSITY JUNKO BASEBALL
Chuo University's Semi-Hardball Baseball Club competes in the Tohto University Semi-Hardball Baseball Division 1 League and is one of the most accomplished programs in the sport. Chuo has won the league championship 72 times and the national championship 14 times with many members bringing elite backgrounds that include appearances in the Koshien tournament. Based on Tama Campus, the club has its own baseball field and an athletics dormitory near the university where members live alongside other sports teams.
Guided by its founding principle of excellence in both academics and athletics, the club prioritizes classes while maintaining rigorous training with most players graduating in four years and moving into careers at major companies. Some continue playing competitively with corporate hardball teams after graduation. For the second time since 2017, Chuo is traveling for a friendly series against the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, framed by director Shigenori Yanagawa as a student-first international exchange focused on growth, new perspectives and deeper cross-border friendship — made possible through the support of families and Hawai'i's baseball community with a stated commitment to transparent, responsible planning centered on what benefits students' futures.
KTA STRIKE-OUT HUNGER
Hawai'i Island residents can donate two non-perishable food items and receive a discounted ticket to this weekend's games at Francis Wong Stadium on Feb. 27 (6 p.m.) and Feb. 28 (5 p.m.). Discounted tickets are available at KTA Super Stores/KTA Express Customer Service Centers until Saturday or while supplies last. No purchase necessary. Not redeemable for cash, exchanges or refund. KTA is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets.
