What is Rubber Baseball?

　”Rubber Baseball” is a sport that originated in Japan and is a distinctive form of baseball that uses a rubber ball instead of baseball’s original leather ball. It has played a role in Japanese baseball culture and has contributed greatly to the development of baseball enthusiasts and athletes.

　”Rubber Baseball” was invented in Japan in the mid Taisho era (1912-1926) and is a form of baseball played with a rubber ball. At first, it was less dangerous than hardball and quickly became popular because it could be easily enjoyed by people of all ages. Baseball was introduced to Japan from the U.S. in 1872, and gradually grew in popularity. However, leather hard balls were dangerous for children, and tennis balls and sponge balls were sometimes used as substitutes. In response to this situation, a new ball made of rubber, which was less dangerous and less expensive than the hardball, was developed to allow children to enjoy baseball safely, and this was the origin of “Rubber Baseball”.

　Rubber Baseball” spread rapidly in Japan, and the holding of national tournaments contributed greatly to its spread. In particular, the “All Japan Rubber Baseball Tournament,” first held in 1946, started with 16 teams, and after 1948 was renamed the “Emperor’s Cup All Japan Rubber Baseball Tournament” with one representative team from each prefecture participating. The tournament is now widely recognized as a prestigious event. This tournament has greatly contributed to the improvement and popularization of “Rubber Baseball”.

　In addition, “Rubber Baseball” has become especially popular among youth. In 1970, youth baseball was organized, and tournaments are held throughout Japan in three divisions: youth division 1 (high school students), youth division 2 (junior high school students), and youth division 2 (elementary school students). These organized efforts have laid the foundation for baseball among the younger generation and have contributed greatly to the development of the next generation of baseball players.

　In addition, “Rubber Baseball” is widely popular not only among the younger generation, but also among working adults and seniors. It has been adopted for sports events such as the National Athletic Meet and the Japan Sports Masters, and is loved as a sport that can be enjoyed by athletes of all ages. Therefore, it has become an important place for baseball enthusiasts not only for competition, but also for social interaction and communication.

　Rubber Baseball” is deeply rooted in Japanese sports culture, and many people have worked hard to promote and develop it. Rubber Baseball” will continue to be loved by many generations, combining tradition and innovation.

　In Japan, the “Japan Rubber Baseball Association”, which oversees “Rubber Baseball” and is positioned as one of the central amateur baseball organizations, is an important entity. The history of the association is long and dates back to 1945. It has a long history and was established in 1945, but initially started under the name “Japan Softball Baseball Association (abbreviation: JSBB)” with a softball division under its umbrella in accordance with the view of the GHQ (General Headquarters of the Allied Powers) during the Occupation. The association was originally named “Japan Softball Baseball Association (abbreviated as JSBB)” under the umbrella of the softball club.

　The “JAPAN RUBBER BASEBALL ASSOCIATION” was established for the purpose of spreading and improving the skills of 　”Rubber Baseball”. The head office is located in Sendagaya 4-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, with branches in 47 prefectures. The headquarters is located in the Rubber Baseball Hall, and its main missions are to organize national tournaments and to find and train umpires. It plays a central role in the Rubber Baseball world, in which various age groups and organizations participate, and plays a role in supporting the healthy development of the world.

　The “Japan Softball Baseball Association” was founded in 1946 after World War II, but changed its name to the current one in the course of subsequent changes. The softball section became an independent softball association, and the name was changed to the “Japan Rubber Baseball Association”. The name change emphasizes the essential characteristic of “Rubber Baseball” – the rubber ball – and the determination to further promote its spread and development.

　The “Japan Rubber Baseball Association” oversees teams in various categories through its extensive organizational network. The total number of member teams, including general (adult), youth (junior high school), and school-age (elementary school) teams, reaches 57,915. However, this figure does not include the 472 university associations, 218 vocational schools, and 330 teams in the Federation of Returns, which are excluded.” The “Rubber Baseball” league encompasses adult baseball, high school baseball (including softball teams affiliated with the High School Baseball Federation), collegiate baseball, and professional school baseball, providing opportunities for a diverse group of players.

　The Federation has also been active in encouraging the participation of female players, and in 1994 officially approved the participation of female players (elementary, junior high, high school, and general). This has made “Rubber Baseball” a sport loved and enjoyed by more and more people, regardless of gender.

　The Japan Rubber Baseball Association is committed to fulfilling its mission.” The “Japan Rubber Baseball Association” is a forum for those who love the game of “Rubber Baseball” to interact with each other, and to nurture and discover future baseball players. The existence of “Japan Rubber Baseball Association” is indispensable for the development and inheritance of baseball culture in Japan.