A couple of weeks ago they met with a few Japanese students from Central Washington University. Those students gave the team a few presentations on what life is like in Japan; the rigorous life of a baseball player and the importance of them trying to get the opportunity to play in the "Koshien" tournament http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_school_baseball_in_Japan . One of the students had played for a high school baseball club and testified that they truly live and breath baseball 24/7. They were encouraged to try anything and everything they can during their stay in Japan, as it may truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
The students made miso soup for everyone to taste as well as some other Japanese snacks. The boys learned some simple phrases and were able to ask as many questions as they'd like about what to expect on their trip to Japan.
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| Making Miso Soup |
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| Trying some Japanese snacks |
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| Miso soup....it's actually pretty good! |
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| He once played baseball in Japan! |
Each player has been matched up with another player and they will be staying with a host family who may, or may not speak English. Some host families have children in their family, some do not. Each player will have similar and yet different experiences while they are in Japan. And to say the least, they have a very busy schedule ahead of them including:
Experiencing Japanese culture - tea ceremony - calligraphy - Japanese instruments - and making a couple of Japanese ceramic pieces to take home!
A welcome party!
Meeting with a professional baseball team - the Hyogo Blue Sandars!
Sightseeing around Sanda City!
Playing in the "Mayors Cup" Baseball Tournament (July 28, 29 and 30)!
Sightseeing in Kyoto
And finally a farewell party!
