The Japan-Africa Baseball & Softball Foundation (J-ABS) is a general incorporated foundation that aims at "building people," "building bridges" and "promoting the sport" in Africa through baseball and softball. Its predecessor was the Friends of African Baseball, launched in 2003. J-ABS was established as a foundation in December 2019 and has expanded its activities in cooperation with baseball and softball federations across Africa.
At its core is the "Africa 55 Koshien Project." Covering 54 countries and one region in Africa, it is a 25-year plan to spread national tournaments ("Koshien" tournaments) to each country, with three kinds of activities: improving playing environments such as fields and equipment, spreading Japanese-style coaching methods, and holding national tournaments.
The foundation of its work is "Baseballership® Education," an educational method developed by J-ABS. It aims to nurture "discipline, respect and justice" through baseball and to develop people who will lead their communities. In Japan, it also shares the results of its work with society through corporate training, lectures and event exhibitions.
Key points
- The Africa 55 Koshien Project, a 25-year plan to spread Koshien tournaments to 54 African countries and one region
- Baseballership® Education, a unique method that fosters discipline, respect and justice through baseball
- Corporate training and lectures drawing on its experience in Africa
Why this organization's work stands out
It does not stop at spreading a sport but connects it to personal growth and peacebuilding. Its method, refined through practice in countries such as Tanzania and South Sudan, is a useful reference.
There are many ways to support it, including donations, donated equipment, legacy gifts and corporate support. Financial statements and its history are published, so you can learn how the work has developed before deciding to support it.
Editor's comment
Learning that the work began with a remark from a Ghanaian boy, "The batter's box comes around to everyone equally," made me appreciate the power of sports once again.
You can see the activities in videos and news on the official website. Whether or not you love baseball, please take a look.