KIMOTO Cup 2026

The 20th KIMOTO Cup Youth Sports Organization Rubber-Ball Baseball Tournament was held on Sunday, June 21, and Sunday, July 26.

The KIMOTO Cup was launched in 2006 as part of our community contribution activities, with the aim of supporting children's healthy development through youth baseball.

This year marked the milestone 20th tournament. Although the schedule had to be changed several times due to weather, the tournament was successfully held thanks to the support of the participating teams, parents and guardians, local residents, and everyone who helped with its organization.

This milestone tournament once again saw the children giving their all at KIMOTO Stadium and Ageki Ground.

Sunday, June 21 — Day 1

Day 1 was held at two venues, KIMOTO Stadium and Ageki Ground, where 10 teams competed fiercely for the championship.

Due to rain that had continued from the previous day, there were concerns about the ground conditions that morning. With the cooperation of everyone involved, water was removed and the venues were prepared. The weather gradually improved, allowing the games to start successfully.

In consideration of the rain, the opening ceremony was held in a covered area. Although the players looked slightly nervous, they welcomed the start of the tournament with confidence. Here are some highlights from the Day 1 games.

“Ryugaku Fighters 1 × 2 Hatta Red Blast”

Ryugaku Fighters took the lead with a squeeze play in the first inning, setting the stage for a tense game from the outset. Both teams’ pitchers then delivered strong performances, resulting in a pitching duel in which runs were hard to come by. Haruta Red Blast tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning and carried that momentum into a tiebreaker, securing a 2–1 walk-off victory. It was an exciting game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the very end.

“Kasama Club 8 × 7 Yamazato Sports Youth Team”

The teams traded runs from the early innings, resulting in a close contest in which neither side gave an inch. Both teams continued to score with extra-base hits, sacrifice flies, and inside-the-park home runs, generating great excitement among the spectators. The outcome remained uncertain until the late innings, but Kasama Club prevailed in the close game, winning 8–7.

“Ageki Youth Baseball Team 4 × 8 Kanda Blue Rays”

Kanda Blue Rays gradually extended their lead in the early innings. They added four runs in the bottom of the fifth to make it 8–2. Ageki Youth Baseball Team never lost focus and showed great persistence by scoring two runs in the final inning, but Kanda Blue Rays won 8–4. At the end of the first day, the four teams advancing to the semifinals were Inabe Bikkies, Haruta Red Blast, Kanda Blue Rays, and Dragonfly Inabe.

July 26 (Sunday) — Day 2 of the Tournament

The second day of the tournament, which had been postponed due to weather conditions, was held at KIMOTO Stadium on July 26 (Sunday).

Although the games were held in typically hot summer weather, the players returned to the field full of energy. In the semifinals and final, the four teams that had advanced this far gave it their all in a series of thrilling contests.

Semifinal, Game 1: “Inabe Bikkies 7 × 1 Haruta Red Blast”

In the first inning, Inabe Bikkies created an opportunity with a leadoff double and took the lead with a timely hit. The bases were then loaded, putting them in a dangerous position, but the Haruta Red Blast pitcher held firm and escaped after allowing only one run. In the bottom of the second, Haruta Red Blast caught their opponents off guard with a successful squeeze play to tie the game. Excellent defensive plays were seen throughout the early innings, making it a fine game that showcased the concentration of both teams. Inabe Bikkies then regained the lead and added another run in the fifth. Haruta Red Blast continued to defend tenaciously and looked for an opportunity to fight back, but Inabe Bikkies strung together several hits in the final inning to extend their lead and win 7–1.

Semifinal, Game 2: Kanda Blue Rays 16 × 2 Dragonfly Inabe

Kanda Blue Rays' batting lineup came together from the first inning, and they capitalized on a bases-loaded opportunity with no outs to score nine runs at once and take an early lead. They continued to score in every inning, gaining control of the game. Dragonfly Inabe never gave up and showed fighting spirit by scoring two runs in the final inning, but Kanda Blue Rays displayed their offensive power with 14 hits and 16 runs, winning 16–2.

Championship Game: Kanda Blue Rays 1 × 15 Inabe Bikkies

The championship game featured two powerful hitting teams. In the first inning, Kanda Blue Rays used consecutive hits to create a no-out, runners-on-second-and-third opportunity. However, the Inabe Bikkies pitcher retired the following batters and escaped without allowing a run. In the bottom half, Inabe Bikkies created an opportunity with consecutive hits from the top of the lineup, then took an early 3–0 lead with four straight hits. They seized control of the game from the outset. In the top of the third inning, Kanda Blue Rays hit a solo home run to score a run and showed signs of a comeback. However, in the bottom half, Inabe Bikkies' offense came alive following a home run, launching a fierce attack that produced 10 runs on eight hits and rapidly extended their lead. Kanda Blue Rays continued to play with determination to the end, but Inabe Bikkies, who showed consistent strength both on the mound and at the plate, won 15–1 to claim the championship in the 20th tournament.

After the tournament...

The memorable 20th tournament was held after being postponed due to rain. The first day took place in muggy conditions after the rain, while the second day was held in typical summer heat. Nevertheless, the entire schedule was completed without any injuries or cases of heatstroke.

During the games, the grounds were filled with heartwarming moments: the players' serious efforts, voices encouraging their teammates, their determination to run hard until the very end, and the support of parents cheering on their teams.

The KIMOTO Cup's signature shaved ice was also a great success. Children and parents enjoyed it between games, spreading smiles throughout the venue.

The KIMOTO Cup began in 2006 and reached its 20th edition this year. The tournament has continued this long thanks to the participating teams, parents, the Inabe Junior Softball Association, local residents, and the many people who helped with its organization.

We hope the KIMOTO Cup will continue as a tournament that supports children's challenges and growth while fostering connections with the local community.