Cricket in Japan has come a long way since its first match in 1863, sparked by European residents seeking safety from samurai threats. While baseball dominates the sporting landscape, cricket is slowly gaining traction thanks to grassroots efforts by the Japan Cricket Association (JCA).
Operating from a former school in Sano, the JCA has introduced the sport to over 5,000 regular players, with many more having tried it. Interest has grown with support from South Asian communities and university clubs, and players like women’s captain Mai Yanagida and ex-baseball pro Shogo Kimura highlight the sport’s diverse appeal.
