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Major Baseball Event to Bring Together Korean and Japanese Legends in 2025
The highly anticipated ‘Korea-Japan Dream Players Game 2025’ is set to take place on November 30 this year at Esconfield in HOKKAIDO. This event, which has become a symbol of friendship and sportsmanship between the two nations, will once again bring together legendary baseball players from both countries to celebrate their shared history and cultural ties.
This year’s game marks the second edition of the event, following the successful ‘Korea-Japan Dream Players Game 2024’ held in July last year. The previous match drew a large crowd of 29,192 spectators and was celebrated as a tribute to the athletes who have shaped professional baseball between Korea and Japan. It also coincided with the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic agreement between the two nations, making it a significant milestone in their relationship.
A Celebration of Friendship and Sportsmanship
The ‘Korea-Japan Dream Players Game 2025’ aims to continue this tradition by fostering deeper connections between the two countries through the universal language of baseball. Both teams will feature some of the most iconic names in their respective baseball histories, creating an exciting opportunity for fans to witness legendary players competing once again.
Team Korea, led by head coach Kim In-sik, will include notable players such as Kim Tae-kyun, Son Seung-rak, Lee Dae-ho, Lee Beom-ho, Lee Jin-young, Jung Geun-woo, and Jung Jae-hoon. On the other side, Team JAPAN, under the guidance of coach Tatsunori Hara, will feature Hiroto Masui, Shinya Miyamoto, Michihiro Ogasawara, Watanabe??Skye, Inaba Atsunori, Itoi Yoshio, and Fukudome Kosuke. The full list of participants will be announced at a later date.
Excitement Builds for the Upcoming Match
Tickets for the event will be available starting at 12 p.m. on July 10 through an official ticketing link. Fans can view seat maps and check the layout of the stadium directly on the website. The seats available for purchase are designated cheering areas located on the dugout (3rd base) side of Team Korea. Additionally, a dedicated cheering squad will be present on the day of the game to support the team and enhance the fan experience.
Kim In-sik, who will lead Team Korea for the second consecutive year, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He stated, “We are pleased that the ‘Korea-Japan Dream Players Game 2025’ will be held once again this year at Escon Field. Through this competition, which symbolizes friendship and exchange between Korea and Japan, it was a very meaningful experience to be able to stand on the ground with legendary players. In particular, it was a great pleasure to meet Director Hara again, who showed great leadership at WBC. This time, we will thoroughly prepare to provide a more satisfactory game to baseball fans in both countries. I sincerely look forward to sharing that special day where baseball is a common language that crosses borders and connects hearts with you.”
Director Hara of Team JAPAN added, “I’m very honored to be the director of the ‘Korea-Japan Dream Players Game 2025’ where Korean and Japanese legends gather again this year.” He emphasized the importance of the event, stating that Korea holds a special place in Japanese baseball as a strong rival and friendly country. As the manager of Team JAPAN, he pledged to do his best to win while contributing to the friendship and development between the two nations through exchanges with players and fans.
Player Reactions and Anticipation
Lee Dae-ho, making his debut in the event, shared his excitement: “I am very happy to be able to participate. I think this tournament will be a meaningful stage for legendary players from both Korea and Japan to come together to respect each other and share precious moments with fans once again. I will do my best to thank my colleagues who played together in the same era and fans who watched the time together. We ask for your warm support and interest.”
Yoshio Itoi, who won MVP in the previous game, expressed his eagerness to return: “It is a great honor to participate as a member of Team JAPAN under coach Hara this year as well as last year. I’m already really looking forward to meeting with the players who have played many great games so far. We will prepare well until the day of the competition so that we can show our fans a better performance. I will aim for a home run again this year.”
Collaboration Between Baseball Organizations
The event is being organized in collaboration with the Japanese Baseball Organization (NPB), highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries in the world of sports. As the game approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans and players alike, eager to witness another unforgettable chapter in the history of Korean and Japanese baseball.
