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 JAPAN BASE CAMP

 Your Child Plays. Not Watches.

Real Training. Real Teammates. Real Japan. No invitation required.

Home of MLB star Masahiro Tanaka's childhood 
baseball roots.

Japan Base Camp 2026 | Osaka/Itami 

27 September - 5 October 2026
Age 8-13 | Maximum 16 players

Program Overview

Japan Base Camp is the only program that lets any young Australian baseball player train alongside real local Japanese teams — one player at a time.

 

No team. No invitation. No selection trials.

 

Just a love of baseball and a curiosity about Japan.

 

For 8 days, your child becomes part of the Itami baseball community — one of Japan's most active youth baseball regions, home to 16 local clubs.

 

Every afternoon after school. Every weekend. Real games. Real friendships. Real Japan.

 

And while your child is on the field, your family is free to explore Osaka at your own pace — or simply cheer from the sideline.

Our English-speaking local coordinator is with you every step of the way — so neither you nor your child ever has to navigate Japan alone. 

The same fields where MLB star Masahiro Tanaka and Giants legend Hayato Sakamoto played as kids 
— now open to your child.

Program Highlights 


  • Daily after-school training with local Itami teams
  • Weekend games and exchanges across 16 Local clubs
  • Welcome gift from your host team (team cap & T-shirt)
  • Player evaluation report from local coaching staff
  • Japanese professional baseball stadium tour
  • Airport transfers included (arrival & departure)
  • Hotel accommodation with breakfast included (7nights)
  • Full on-the-ground program support throughout your stay
  • Small group program - maximum 16 players


Why Japan Base Camp 

In Japan, baseball is more than a sport.

It is discipline. Respect. Teamwork.

Japanese youth players greet their coaches, prepare the field, and take responsibility for their equipment — every single session.

These are values that go far beyond the diamond.

Through Japan Base Camp, your child won't just learn how baseball is played in Japan. They will live it.

The Spirit of Japanese Baseball 

In Japan, baseball is more than just a sport. 
It is also a way to learn discipline, teamwork, and respect. 
Players greet their teammates and coaches before and after practice, help prepare the field, and take responsibility for maintaining equipment. 
These traditions are an important part of Japanese baseball culture. 
Through this experience, participants will learn not only how baseball is played in Japan, but also the values that shape the game. 


Register your Interest

Training Experience 

Players will have the opportunity to train with local Japanese youth teams and experience how baseball is practiced in Japan.
The program welcomes players of different experience levels who are currently playing baseball in Australia.

Depending on players’ experience and age, efforts will be made to arrange training opportunities that provide meaningful experiences for each participant.
Some host teams are part of well-known Japanese youth baseball communities where many talented players develop their skills.

Cultural Exchange 

Participants will meet and interact with Japanese players through introductions, team photos, and informal exchanges during training sessions.

These interactions help build friendships and create memorable cultural experiences through baseball.

Experience Japan 

Participants and families will also explore Japan and experience its culture. Activities may include sightseeing, local food experiences, and visiting famous locations in Osaka. This combination of baseball and cultural exploration creates a unique experience in Japan.

Japanese Baseball Culture 

 

Japan has one of the most passionate baseball cultures in the world.

Participants may have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Japanese professional baseball. GAME.

Depending on the schedule, optional professional baseball game viewing may be available.


"A Japanese Professional official baseball stadium tour is also included as part of the program." 

Who Can Join

Japan Base Camp is open to young players who are currently playing baseball in Australia. Players of all skill levels are welcome, as the program focuses on experiencing Japanese baseball culture through participation. The program is open to both boys and girls.

Age Range

The program is designed for players aged 8–13 
(Year 3 to Year 7).


Participants should already be playing baseball 
in Australia.

Parent or Guardian

Parent or guardian attendance is required throughout the entire program. 
For team or group participation, alternative arrangements may be possible


Program Schedule

Osaka/ Itami | 27 September - 5 October 2026

(Example schedule – subject to change)


Day 1 | Sun Sep 27
Arrival & airport transfer. Hotel check-in. 
Meet your program coordinator.

Day 2 | Mon Sep 28
Training begins. First after-school session 
with local team.

Day 3 | Tue Sep 29
After-school training with local team.

Day 4 | Wed Sep 30
After-school training with local team.

Day 5 | Thu Oct 1
After-school training + Japanese professional 
baseball stadium tour.

Day 6 | Fri Oct 2
After-school training with local team.

Day 7 | Sat Oct 3
Full day — game or exchange with local teams.

Day 8 | Sun Oct 4
Full day — game or exchange. 
Farewell with host team.

Day 9 | Mon Oct 5
Hotel check-out. Airport transfer. Departure.

* Training schedule is coordinated by local staff 
and may vary slightly depending on team availability 
and weather conditions.

* Stadium tour date may be subject to change.


Program Details

Duration

 7 nights / 8 days

Start Date

Sunday 27 September 2026

 Training begins: Monday, September 28 — just like the first day of school. ** If this date does not suit your schedule, please feel free to contact us.    

Group Size

Small group program
Maximum 16 players


What's Included

  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • Hotel accommodation — 7 nights with breakfast
  • Daily after-school baseball training
  • Weekend games & exchanges with local teams
  • Japanese professional baseball stadium tour
  • Welcome gift (team cap & T-shirt)
  • Player evaluation report
  • English-speaking on-the-ground support throughout your stay
  • Full program coordination and communication with local teams

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Lunch & dinner (breakfast included)
  • Local transportation outside program activities
  • Personal expenses

Pricing

Player (child)          $2,990 AUD

Parent Supporter   $1,410 AUD 


1 Player + 1 Parent
$4,400 AUD


Land only — international flights not included.

Estimated flights (Sydney–Osaka return, per person):
from approx. $1,200 AUD
(price varies depending on airline and booking timing)

Estimated total including flights (parent & child): from approx. $6,800 AUD 

Maximum 16 players.
Spots are limited — first come, first served. 

Optional Experiences

Want to make your Japan experience even richer?  We can arrange a variety of additional cultural activities to complement your baseball program.

  •    Professional baseball game viewing  (NPB — available for September programs  while the season is active)


  •   Japanese school visit

  (available subject to minimum group size)

  •  Cultural experiences & activities ; Calligraphy lessons, kendo & martial arts  observation, sumo class visits, local sightseeing,  and more — arranged on request. 


  •  Homestay arrangement    (contact us for details)


  •  Extra hotel nights

  (before or after the program — 
  approx. $200 AUD per night, breakfast included)


 FAQ 

1 .   Does my child need to speak Japanese?

          -  No. Our English-speaking local coordinator provides full support throughout the program.

2.   What level of baseball experience is required?

          -  All skill levels are welcome. This program focuses on cultural exchange and participation — not elite performance.

3.   Is it hardball or softball?
         - Local Itami teams use a soft baseball (rubber ball), which is standard for youth baseball in Japan — and it's exactly where Japan's greatest players began.

Many of Japan's current MLB and NPB stars, including Masahiro Tanaka and Yomiuri Giants legend Hayato Sakamoto, started their careers playing soft baseball as children right here in the Itami region.

In fact, Tanaka and Sakamoto were childhood teammates at Koyanosato Tigers — one of the 16 local clubs in our program network — where Sakamoto pitched and Tanaka caught.

The soft baseball is not a limitation. It is the foundation of Japanese baseball greatness.

4.  Can my child participate without a parent?
          - No. Parent or guardian attendance is required throughout the entire program.

5.  What if it rains?
          -  Light rain — training continues.
          -  Heavy rain — our local staff will arrange alternative activities.

6.  Can we arrive early or stay longer?
         -  Yes. Extra hotel nights can be arranged at approx. $200 AUD per night (breakfast included).

7.    What is the cancellation policy?
          - Please visit our Terms & Policies page or contact us directly.

Ready to join?

Spots are strictly limited to 16 players.
Secure your child's place in Japan Base Camp 2026 today.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
We respond within 24 hours.

Submit an Expression of Interest