Asian Games: Japanese coaches build bridges through sport

Japanese coaches are playing a crucial role at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games by working alongside athletes from other national teams. Masato Ogiwara, head coach of Cambodia's soft tennis team, and Shin Nakayama, coach of Thailand's baseball squad, are among those fostering relationships between the host country and its regional neighbors.

Ogiwara, a former competitive soft tennis player, relocated to Cambodia in 2013 for business and later became a coach. His dedication to the sport led to his invitation to join the national team staff. Ogiwara emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of initiative in his players, acknowledging the supportive nature of Cambodians but urging them to take action themselves.

He sees the Asian Games as the culmination of his efforts in developing Cambodian soft tennis, expressing his desire to secure a medal for his country.

Nakayama, on the other hand, brings a different perspective to his coaching role. After working as a high school teacher in Okinawa, he joined Thailand's baseball team through the Japan International Cooperation Agency's overseas volunteer program. Despite initial struggles with the Thai language, Nakayama has become proficient and aims to promote the sport of baseball among Thai children.

The team he coaches comprises individuals from various professions, including civil servants and teachers, and finished as runners-up at the Southeast Asian Games last year. Nakayama acknowledges that the team still has room for improvement, especially compared to high school teams in Japan, but remains optimistic about their performance in the Asian Games and hopes the athletes will inspire Thai youth.