Hosted at the Abeam offices, 58 students representing six schools and programs came together for an evening of competition and connection. Welcomed by Learn Fresh staff and partners, the group settled into the room, buzzing in anticipation of the tournament ahead. Returning as emcee was Yuji Kendo, a well-known Japanese sports broadcaster who set the tone for the evening.
This year’s Regional Tournament brought together competitors of all ages, and despite their age gap, everyone connected over a shared love for the game. Dan Takahashi from The Clubrooms shared why he enjoys playing MLB Players STEM League, saying it’s “because the game is very unique.” With others echoing his sentiment, Rinnosieke Matsuo added, “because it is fun, every year the card is changing so it is exciting.”
The evening kicked off with special welcome remarks, followed by a career panel featuring Yamada Junya from Data Stadium and Keiichi Kubota from Abeam. They spoke about their professional journeys and how data plays a critical role in their daily work. Panelists highlighted how professional baseball players use data to make smarter decisions on the field, drawing a clear connection between classroom learning and real-world application - a core value shared by Learn Fresh and its partners.
Opening panel with Data Stadium and Abeam employees
Just as the panel wrapped up, the screen shifted to reveal a surprise Zoom call. Joining live was Washington Nationals pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara. Students were stunned and thrilled to hear directly from a professional athlete, many pulling out phones to record the experience. Ogasawara spoke about the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, both on and off the field.
The surprises didn’t end there. Former New York Yankees great Hideki Matsui recorded a special video message for the competitors, helping to inspire them as they headed into the tournament.
Zoom call with Shinnosuke Ogasawara, MLB pitcher, speaking to students ahead of gameplay.
With all the anticipation and words of encouragement, the students were energized and eager to play.
After drafting teams, the games were officially underway. Participants competed in three round-robin games, with the top four teams based on win-loss records advancing to the final four. The championship match came down to Gaku Nakama and Fuyumasa Kaneko from The Clubrooms versus Ishizawa Sora and Toshihisa Hirayama from Omiya International Secondary School. Omiya returned this year motivated to take home first place after a final-four finish in last year’s tournament.
It was elementary school vs. high school, and the excitement matched the stakes. The final game was a nail-biter, with teammates, reporters, and supporters gathered around the table, watching closely and holding their breath with every spin.
Above partners Fuyumasa Kaneko and Gaku Nakama during the championship round
With a last-minute run, the spinner landed in their favor, and Gaku Nakama and Fuyumasa Kaneko secured the championship win. The pair beamed with pride, not only representing their program, but also showcasing that success in the MLB Players STEM League knows no age limits.
Gaku Nakama reflected on his experience: “I was nervous at first, then I was excited,” adding that he enjoys the strategy of the game and the chance to play, and win, against older players.
By taking home first place, Gaku Nakama and Fuyumasa Kaneko earned their spot as Japan’s representatives at the MLB Players STEM League Global Championship next month in Miami, Florida, alongside the World Baseball Classic.
Following the final rounds, reporters gathered around the winning team, interviewing them like seasoned professionals. Several reporters had covered Japanese MLB stars, from Ichiro Suzuki to Hideki Matsui, and now regularly cover Japan’s professional league and national team.
Reporters interviewing Fuyumasa Kaneko, one of the winners, after his final round.
The day concluded with an award ceremony honoring tournament winners, runner-ups, and recipients of the Sportsmanship Award, presented to those who exemplified respect, teamwork, and integrity throughout the competition.
From left to right: Sportsmanship Award winners and the Runner-Ups
Winners: The Clubrooms
Runner-Ups: Omiya International Secondary School
Sportsmanship Award Winners:
Reflecting on their time at Regionals, Akira Hayashi from The Clubrooms shared: “I rarely have a chance to play board games with younger students, so it was [a] wonderful experience, and I learned a lot.”
Tokyo’s 2026 Regional Tournament was a tremendous experience for all participants and attendees, showcasing the power of math, teamwork, and perseverance through competition.
Looking ahead, the MLB Players STEM League continues to grow in Japan, gaining momentum and enthusiasm with each new season. This year’s tournament also welcomed Shota, a college student from Kyoto, who will serve as the program’s first Japan-based intern. Over the next year, Shota will support program growth as it heads into its third year, marking a new milestone for expansion in the region.
To see the Tokyo tournament in action, check out the official photo album here.