'We are also Taeguk warriors. We march forward toward medal acquisition.' The Korea Baseball Softball Association (Chairman Yang Hae-young) is making efforts to win a women's softball medal at the Asian Games to be held in Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. Last year, they hired a Japanese coach and instructor, focusing on the concentrated training of the national softball team and working to revitalize softball. Currently ranked 5th in Asia, the Korean team is aiming for a podium finish at next year's Asian Games. On the 7th, I had an interview with Atsushi Kumon (62), the national team coach, while observing the 25th Peace and Unification Cup National Softball Tournament held in Inje County, Gangwon Province. Below is a question-and-answer session with Coach Kumon.
=Korea's softball has not developed much compared to countries like Japan or the United States, with only about 300 registered players. In particular, it is not gaining traction during the youth period. I am curious about how Japan is nurturing its youth players.
▲Japan has a softball population of about 160,000 to 170,000, which is on a declining trend each year, but games are actively held for all age groups, from elementary school students to the elderly, and it is widely enjoyed in school education and recreation.
Especially from elementary school students to adults, a safe rubber ball is used, while college students and above use leather balls for official games, creating an environment where anyone can easily access the sport.
Additionally, 47 prefectures hold preliminaries to advance to national competitions, and in the JD League, where the top-level professional teams are gathered, 16 teams compete in 29 games each year to maintain and improve the standard of Japanese softball.
An environment has been created where children can develop skills and judgment by experiencing various games from a young age, and programs where JD League players coach or interact with youths, as well as technical workshops for coaches, are also actively run.
=What are the methods to lure young girls into softball?
▲Above all, I think an environment is needed where they can freely play with a ball, bat, and glove. For example, introducing a tee-ball program in physical education classes for elementary, middle, and high school, distributing beginner-friendly soft bats and gloves so families can enjoy catch at the park, and sending professional team players to the community to showcase great plays while providing opportunities for children and families to enjoy together would be effective.
=In terms of infrastructure, what aspects do you think need further improvement?
▲It is important to utilize communication to stream games on YouTube and promote the appeal of softball with content that conveys the joy of catch and hitting. Furthermore, as the competitiveness of the Korean national team increases and results become evident, media attention will naturally rise, enhancing promotional effects.
-We need to surpass Taiwan and the Philippines to see the medals... We have greatly improved in hitting and defense over the past year.
=I understand that the association invited the best coaches in Japan for a chance to win medals. What is your assessment of the possibility of winning?
▲I came on the recommendation of the Japanese association, but I have never thought of myself as 'the best coach in Japan.' However, I am solely focused on the goal of acquiring medals through collaboration with the players and association officials.
As a coach, my role is to identify the talents and challenges of the players, to help them grow happily, and to unite the team. Above all, it is important for the players to realize their own growth and potential, and to strengthen their resolve toward victory as one team.
If that determination grows, I believe there are sufficient opportunities. We achieved a performance of 6 wins and 2 losses in practice games against the Philippines, a team we previously found it hard to beat, and while it differs from official matches, the Korean team's batting lineup is clearly improving, as the players themselves also feel. Korean players have ample capabilities, and I believe they can succeed.
=Excluding world-class Japan, which countries must we overcome to win medals?
▲The Philippines, Taiwan, and China. The goal is to catch up with and surpass these three countries.
=What position needs the most immediate reinforcement?
▲Stabilizing the pitching staff is the top priority. Additionally, we aim to improve batting power to become a team capable of winning through offense.
=It has been over a year since I took office in April of last year. How does the strengthening of the national team compare to before? Especially in what aspects?
▲Over the past year, I have observed almost all Korean players directly and identified their characteristics. Since this year, we are somewhat stabilizing the team with a focus on creating a competitive team. Hitting was one of the major goals, and I definitely feel it is growing. The defense is not yet stable, but I believe there is sufficient potential.
=What is Coach Atsushi's history in softball? Did he also play baseball?
▲I practiced Kendo in elementary school and played baseball in middle and high school. After entering Nippon Sport Science University, I was impressed by the strongest collegiate team at the time, the softball team of Nihon Taiikudaigaku, and started playing softball. I have been coaching as both a player and an instructor for about 40 years. I have experienced being the best in Japan, both as a player and as a coach of a men's high school softball team.
=The Japanese women's softball team maintains world-class skills and is actively competing in both domestic leagues and international tournaments. I would like to know what development measures they are implementing.
▲As I mentioned earlier, each institutional sector is systematically developing across age groups. Additionally, in the JD League, top pitchers from countries like the U.S. are brought in, and seeing, hitting, and experiencing their high-level pitching has greatly contributed to the improvement of the batting and pitching skills of Japanese players.
=Looking at Coach Asako's history, it appears she has acted as both a player and a coach in professional teams. Is it possible to make a living solely as a professional player?
▲In Japan, JD League teams are operated by corporations, and most players work as full-time employees of those corporations. Depending on the team, many players may work in the morning or all day at their company during the off-season, and engage in softball activities from the afternoon or evening. It is also possible to continue working for the respective corporation after retirement.
=How is the chemistry with coach Fujimoto Asako (51)? Did you have a close relationship in Japan?
▲I started working with her when I came to Korea, and I did not know her at all before. There have been clashes due to differing opinions or coaching styles, but the common goal of 'growing the Korean national team to win medals at the Asian Games' remains unchanged. I want to utilize the coach's rich experience and delicate knowledge while helping Korean players grow the strengths needed to compete against foreign teams.
=Is there support from Japanese professional baseball for Japanese softball?
▲No, not at all.
=If there are differences between Korean players and Japanese players, what are they?
▲Both Korean and Japanese players are diligent, but there are clearly differences. Japanese players, having experienced many games and victories, have a strong consciousness of winning, while Korean players seem to lack a bit in that regard. I believe my role is to instill a mindset of 'I can do it' and strengthen their awareness of victory while drawing out such traits.
sun@osen.co.kr
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