Japan inaugurated a new facility on the weekend, with Kaizuka City the first designated cricket venue in the Osaka Prefecture.
The synthetic pitch venue was procured through an innovative proposal from the Japan Cricket Association (JCA), using a designated emergency gathering space as a location for the game. Fourth in the JCA’s ‘City of Cricket’ strategy for building the sport, Kaizuka will serve as a hub for all regional cricket in Western Japan, with the aim of revitalising the city with increased visitors.
The venue was officially opened at a ceremony on Sunday, with dignitaries including Kaizuka mayor Tatsuo Fujiwara in attendance, before the final of the Kansai Regional Cup showcased the sport to an enthusiastic audience. Kobe Hawks won the day, downing Royal Osaka Tigers in the last over of a see-sawing chase with a six dispatched into the crowd at backward square. Both teams progress to next weekend’s Japan Cup finals, where 12 teams from across Japan’s 8 regions will do battle for the national title.