Japanese Baseball Coach Takes on the Challenge of Teaching Baseball in Brazil
Yukihiro Shimura, a former top high-school baseball coach in Japan, has taken on a new challenge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As part of a two-year mission from the Japanese government, Shimura is tasked with spreading the love of baseball in a country where soccer reigns supreme.
Despite Brazil being the largest nation in Latin America, baseball is still a relatively unknown sport. Many Brazilians are more familiar with soccer and find baseball to be too complex with too many rules. However, with a large Japanese diaspora in Brazil, estimated at around two million people, there is a growing interest in the sport.
Shimura is one of nine Japanese baseball coaches currently in Brazil, with most of them based in São Paulo. However, Shimura is in Rio, where he faces the unique challenge of teaching adults who are new to the sport. Despite the initial difficulties, Shimura remains positive and focused on building a strong foundation for the team.
Using a mix of Japanese, basic Portuguese, and pantomime, Shimura demonstrates the basics of baseball to his team. He emphasizes teamwork, respect for the game, and the importance of continuous improvement. The players, inspired by Shimura’s energy and positivity, have embraced the sport and are making progress with each practice.
One of the players, Rafael Dantas, describes Shimura as a “true sensei” and appreciates his motivational coaching style. The team, known as the “Cariocas,” plays at a dirt baseball diamond in Rio, attracting curious onlookers who have never seen live baseball before.
Despite the challenges, Shimura finds joy in seeing his players improve little by little. His dedication to teaching the sport and instilling values beyond baseball is making a positive impact on the team in Rio. As the players continue to learn and grow, Shimura’s mission to spread the love of baseball in Brazil is well underway.
