Japan First Lady Yuko Kishida: Women's Baseball builds friendships that "last long and survive beyond the borders"

Yuko Kishida, the First Lady of Japan, was born Yuko Wada in Miyoshi City on 15 August 1964. The date, which also celebrates the end of the Second World War, was stamped on the Samurai Japan uniform she wore entering the field at Miyoshi Kinsai Stadium for the ceremonial pitch before Puerto Rico-Japan, the final game on day one of the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Group B presented by CARNEXT on Wednesday.

The First Lady asked for a ball to practice her grip, then headed to the field and spoke briefly with Japan's manager, Risa Nakashima (pictured in the cover photo). She then addressed the team.

After the ceremonial first pitch, the WBSC had a chance to talk to the First Lady.

"Well, now I feel relieved," said Yuko Kishida through an interpreter. "It is the first time I performed this kind of ceremony, and I wasn't really sure what the outcome would be."

The fact [former Japanese Softball National Team manager] Taeko Utsugi was close and observed worried you? "No, actually, she taught me a lot."

Your husband threw a ceremonial first pitch at the World Baseball Classic earlier this year. Is it true you told him that you would do better? "I never thought about doing a comparison. I had never thrown a baseball before. Do you really think he didn't do that well? I believe he did OK that day."

What does hosting the Women's Baseball World Cup Group B to Miyoshi? "It is exceptional that Miyoshi can host an event of this calibre, and I am so honoured that I was invited to hold a speech in front of the players."

"Miyoshi is a baseball city," she continued. "The Mayor, Satoshi Fukuoka, is a former baseball player who would do all he can to support the game. I think women's baseball could be very popular here. I'm positive the players involved in this World Cup will do their best to showcase top women's baseball."

The First Lady insisted on the importance of bringing different cultures together. "When this event ends, there will be friendships that last long and survive beyond the borders. This makes international sporting events so important.

"I hope many people here in Miyoshi will show more interest in the event and women's baseball. I'm sure this will display the best values in sports, starting with fair play."