CTBC Cup Taiwan–Japan High School Baseball Showdown Concludes Successfully

TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The “2025 CTBC Taiwan–Japan High School Baseball Exchange Games” concluded on December 27, drawing nearly 15,000 fans to Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium despite the winter cold. Sponsored by CTBC Bank, the three-day tournament featured four elite high school teams from Taiwan and Japan. The Most Outstanding Player (MOP) awards were presented to Takeru Goto, Musashi Nagayama, Chen-Lung Tsai, and Chia-Yuan Yang.

At the award ceremony, Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA) Vice President George Chao, representing President Jeffrey Koo Jr., presented a commemorative plaque to Japan High School Baseball Federation (JHBF) Secretary General Wataru Imoto. Both sides pledged long-term cooperation, aiming to expand exchanges between Koshien select teams and Taiwan’s Black Panther Cup teams.

Roger Kao, Chief Secretary of the Board of CTBC Financial Holding Co., praised the players’ strong fundamentals and their joint efforts in preparing the rain-soaked field ahead of games. Coaches and players also shared insights from the competition. National Luodong Industrial Vocational High School pitcher Chia-Yuan Yang highlighted the value of facing Japan’s Yuito Aragaki, while Taoyuan Municipal Pingjen Senior High School pitcher Chen-Lung Tsai said he was impressed by the Japanese teams’ aggressive baserunning and all-out attitude.

The event also highlighted cultural exchange and hospitality, with the Taipei Japanese School preparing rice balls for the Japanese teams, while the CTBA served freshly made ramen to all participating athletes.

CTBC remains the first corporation in Taiwan to support baseball development across all five levels. Looking ahead, CTBC Bank will sponsor the “2026 CTBC Taiwan–Japan International Baseball Exchange Games,” featuring the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. CTBC will also support Team Chinese Taipei in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, hosting live viewing events at CTBC Financial Park to unite fans and showcase Taiwan’s passion for baseball.