Miyagi Daiya Reflects on U-18 Selection: “A Great Experience to Have Been Able to Do It With Top Players of My Generation”
NAHA, Okinawa – Pitcher Miyagi Daiya expressed profound gratitude and excitement following his selection for Samurai Japan U-18, emphasizing the honor of competing alongside the nation’s premier young baseball talent. The announcement comes as the team prepares for the 32nd WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, set to take place in Okinawa from September 5th to september 14th, 2025.
The U-18 World Cup represents a crucial stepping stone for aspiring professional baseball players, offering invaluable international exposure and a platform to showcase their skills. For Miyagi and his teammates,the tournament is not only a chance to bring home a championship but also to forge lasting bonds with peers who represent the future of Japanese baseball. “It was a great experience to have been able to do it with top players of my generation,” Miyagi stated in a recent interview with Samurai Japan.
Samurai Japan U-18 will begin their campaign in Group A against Italy on september 5th at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha. Their opening round schedule includes subsequent matchups against Korea (September 6th), Cuba (September 7th), South Africa (September 8th), and Puerto Rico (september 9th). Following the opening round, the top teams will advance to the Super Round (September 11th-13th), culminating in the 3rd place match and final on September 14th.
Group A also features Korea, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Italy, and South Africa, while Group B will consist of Chinese Taipei, USA, Panama, Australia, Germany, and China. Matches will also be held at itoman City Nishizaki Stadium. Tickets are currently available through the official tournament website: https://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/games/u18worldcup2025/ticket.html#pNav.A full roster of participating athletes can be found at
