Hideki Kuriyama Says Taiwan’s Baseball Success Comes From Passion and Unity

Japanese baseball legend Hideki Kuriyama used a May 2026 seminar in Taipei to highlight what he believes makes Taiwan’s baseball culture special: passion, unity, and a deep emotional connection between players and fans.

Speaking during an appearance in Taiwan, the former Samurai Japan manager praised the country’s recent international achievements—including its historic 2024 WBSC Premier12 championship—and said the celebrations he witnessed afterward revealed how strongly baseball resonates across Taiwanese society. He also expressed hope that the sport could help strengthen ties among East Asian nations.

Taiwan’s Premier12 Victory Showed the Power of Baseball

Taiwan’s national team made history in November 2024 by defeating Japan 4–0 in the WBSC Premier12 championship game, securing the country’s first major senior international baseball title.

Kuriyama said the victory meant more than simply winning a tournament. When he later visited Taiwan, he was struck by the way the entire country celebrated the achievement.

According to Kuriyama, the nationwide reaction demonstrated how baseball functions as a shared cultural experience in Taiwan—something that unites fans, players, and communities beyond the field.

“Hearts and Souls” on the Field

Kuriyama emphasized that Taiwan’s success cannot be explained by technique alone. What impressed him most, he said, was the emotional intensity displayed by the players.

He described Taiwanese athletes as putting their “hearts and souls” into the game, an attitude he believes reflects the broader culture surrounding baseball in the country.

That combination of skill and passion, he suggested, is what allows Taiwan to compete strongly on the international stage despite facing larger baseball powers.

A Personal Connection Through Japanese Professional Baseball

Kuriyama’s admiration for Taiwan is shaped partly by his own professional ties to the country.

He served as manager of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters from 2012 to 2021, leading the club to a Japan Series title in 2016, and later became its chief baseball officer.

During his years with the Fighters, Kuriyama worked closely with players from Taiwan, building relationships that deepened his appreciation for the island’s baseball talent and culture. Those experiences, he said, helped create a strong personal bond with Taiwan.

Baseball as a Bridge Across East Asia

Beyond praising Taiwan’s achievements, Kuriyama used the Taipei event to outline a broader vision for the sport in the region.

He said he hopes baseball can help bring together countries such as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China, even though political and historical tensions sometimes divide them. According to Kuriyama, shared enthusiasm for the game can help “knock down walls” and encourage cooperation through competition and exchange.

In his view, the sport’s ability to inspire passion and national pride—while still creating common ground among rivals—makes it a powerful tool for regional connection.

Why Taiwan’s Baseball Culture Stands Out

Kuriyama’s message in Taipei was ultimately simple: Taiwan’s baseball achievements are inseparable from the culture that supports them.

For him, the Premier12 championship and the country’s strong international performances represent more than sporting milestones. They reflect a nationwide commitment to baseball that blends community pride, emotional investment, and respect for the game—qualities he believes can resonate far beyond Taiwan’s borders.