THE FIRST NANSHIKI BASEBALL PROJECT（English）
2026/03/20
A sport that's safe, low-cost, and fun for everyone to start！
Rubber Baseball (NANSHIKI) is a unique evolution of baseball from Japan that uses a rubber ball. Boasting 600,000 registered players in the country, it is the most accessible sport for beginners and children. Currently, about 60% to 70% of professional baseball players in Japan played Nanshiki during their middle school years, serving as a solid foundation for the strength of Japanese baseball.PROFILE
JAPAN RUBBER BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
JSBB is the central governing body for softball baseball in Japan.
Softball baseball has been enjoyed by a wide range of age groups in Japan, from boys and girls to those in their 70s. Amidst a rapidly aging population and increasing diversity in sports, the role of our federation is to "nurture the junior generation" and "develop an environment for softball baseball as a lifelong sport." And this time, as a new theme, we will promote and popularize "NANSHIKI," which has broadly supported baseball in Japan, to the world.
https://jsbb.or.jp
Three Major Benefits of Nanshiki Baseball
１ SAFE
High Safety and Reduced Fear
<Low Risk of Injury>
Using a hollow rubber ball results in less impact compared to hardballs (cork and leather), significantly lowering the risk of injury if hit by the ball.
<Less Strain on the Body>
The ball is lightweight and the impact is small, reducing the burden on the shoulders and elbows of growing children.
<Beginner Friendly>
Since players don't have to fear the ball, beginners can smoothly learn correct form and catching techniques.
2 SUSTAINABLE
Sustainability and Economic Accessibility
<Washable and Reusable>
Nanshiki balls are water-resistant and extremely durable. Even if they get muddy, they can be washed with water and used repeatedly over a long period, making them an eco-friendly (SDGs) choice.
<Low-Cost Entry>
Dedicated gear like gloves and bats are affordable, allowing anyone to start baseball with minimal financial burden.
<Play Anywhere>
Versatile enough for solo wall-ball practice. It is often permitted in public parks and school grounds where hardball is banned, making it easy to find practice space.
3 FUN
Digital Integration and Easy-to-Learn Rules
<Learn Rules through Games>
Through KONAMI baseball games, you can learn baseball rules and tactics (knowledge) while having fun, transcending language barriers.
<Master Fine Techniques>
Handling a resilient ball naturally nurtures delicate glove work and the tactical vision of "Japanese Baseball" — defending every single run.
Featuring the world's home run king, Sadaharu Oh！
NANSHIKI Bridge！
NANSHIKI Bridge! Grab a Nanshiki Ball and SHOOT！
Post on SNS with #NANSHIKI
Let's connect "NANSHIKI BASEBALL" with everyone in the world！
Let’s Create and Expand Asian Baseball Together!
Would you like to create the future of Asian baseball together？
This project packages the "Heart (Perseverance), Skill (Nanshiki/Soft), and Knowledge (Digital)" that support Japanese baseball culture for Asia and the world. We offer promotion programs tailored to each federation's needs and plan exchange events for children, parents, and instructors interested in Japanese baseball.
We welcome inquiries from baseball federations interested in this project.
◾️THE FIRST NANSHIKI BASEBALL PROJECT Secretariat
Email：info@baseballtimes.jp
