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

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.