South Sudanese women's softball players come to Japan

Jennifer (19 years old), a female softball player from South Sudan.

However, they arrived in Japan on March 11th.

Jennifer was one of the students of the girls' softball team that J-ABS representative Tomonari coached in Juba, South Sudan in 2019. Although she was only 13 years old at the time, she trained alongside male players and her talent blossomed.

In South Sudan, a country plagued by long-standing conflict, she experienced displacement from her family during the armed clashes of 2013 and 2016. Despite these hardships, she continued playing softball, persevering through the years, and is now a key player for the South Sudanese women's softball team.

I have received a special invitation to the "Sammy Japan Masters Cup 2026," which will be held in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture from March 13th to 15th, and I will be competing in an international tournament as a female player.

Following that, various exchange events are planned, including a courtesy visit to Mayor Akira Ogawa in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, a practice session with the Maebashi Ikuei High School softball team, a discussion with former Japan women's national team coach Taeko Utsugi, and lectures for students and citizens.

Please keep an eye on Jennifer's future endeavors!