On Friday, July 31, the High Heat Baseball Rookies, a team from New Jersey, USA, visited our school. This exchange program, which began in 2019, marked its fifth visit over the past four consecutive years.

The visit began with a brief welcome ceremony, during which team captain Nochika delivered a welcoming speech. Interpretation was provided by Isomura and Izumitani, both students in the IP Course. Although there was only one American player visiting Japan this time, our students—particularly the first-year students of the same age—eagerly approached him, and they quickly became friends.

On the first and second days, the teams practiced together on the school field to help the visiting player become familiar with Nanshiki (Japanese rubber baseball), a unique form of baseball played in Japan. The practice included warm-up drills, catch-ball drills, and infield drills—training sessions that are characteristic of both Japanese baseball and our school's program. Although it was the player's first experience using a rubber baseball and a urethane bat (which the player referred to as a "rubber ball" and a "special bat"), he tackled every activity with great enthusiasm.

To conclude the day, a friendly game was held between the third-year students plus the Rookies player and a team of first- and second-year students. Despite the intense summer heat, everyone enjoyed playing together. After the game, the American coaches conducted a batting clinic, during which our players actively asked questions, making it a valuable learning experience for all.