On August 4-6, we had an exchange program with the High Heat Baseball ROOKIES from New Jersey, U.S.A. This was the second time in four years that we had an exchange program with the ROOKIES, the first time being in 2019. This was the second time in four years.

On Friday, August 4, the ROOKIES came to Kansai from Kochi Prefecture, and after an hour of light practice to get used to softball, we had a BBQ and watermelon splitting party on our school grounds. The students had a great time at the BBQ and watermelon splitting.

On Saturday, August 5, we went to Ritsumeikan Junior High School for an exchange game between the ROOKIES & 3rd grade team and Ritsumeikan & Rits Uji. It was a great opportunity for the Ritsumeikan students to not only learn about American baseball, but also to interact with other Ritsumeikan students, and there were some heartwarming moments, such as the Rookies players teaming up with Rookies players for the first time in three years.

On August 6 (Sun.), the Rookies and the Rits Uji practiced together on the school's field and played a red-and-white game. In addition to the Japanese baseball practice menu, the students were able to practice our school's unique training and exercises while conversing with each other.

The students were able to gain a lot of insight, encounter, and grow through baseball and each other. We would like to continue this kind of activity, which is typical of Ritsumeikan Uji, in the future as well.