Metal bats have been used in high school baseball games for many years, but recently, in line with new standards, they have been phased out and replaced by new bats that suppress ball speed. These new bats were introduced into public games just this past spring—it’s interesting to note that metal bats have been banned in high schools in South Korea since 2005. One of the chief reasons for the change comes from a desire to provide some balance between pitcher and batter. With increasingly hot summers, especially in Japan, pitchers suffer from physical strain due to the heat which will only get more extreme in the future, and so these bats are a way of bridging this gap. More short breaks where players can drink some fluids have also been introduced.

In recent years, the Tokyo qualifiers for schools in both east and west Tokyo have been moved to Jingu Baseball Stadium and I have been going to watch the games each year. I don’t go with any desire to support one team or the other, but just to enjoy some great baseball. With these new bats it’s harder to get homeruns, but when they do happen it’s that much more exciting. Other changes have also occurred in addition to the bats. Until four years ago only black cleats were permitted, but now white cleats have been permitted to help prevent players from suffering heatstroke. All the players’ feet are now coated in white and it makes for a dazzling sight when they all stand in line together. Climate change is bringing with it increasingly tropical weather and so various deep-rooted rules need to be updated with the times—teaching methods, equipment, techniques, even rules. One thing that won’t change is the fun of the game.