Mar 13 • 02:30 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

Aspiring to be a 'Professional Baseball Player': Japanese Athlete Struggles in Australia with a 5-Day Work Week

A Japanese player, aspiring to become a professional baseball player, is balancing a demanding work schedule in Australia while pursuing his dream.

The article highlights the journey of Shotaro Morimoto, a 25-year-old Japanese baseball player currently residing in Melbourne, Australia, where he plays for an amateur team. He is driven by his goal to become a professional baseball player starting in 2024 but currently faces financial challenges, as he has no income from playing baseball yet. Living on a working holiday visa, he juggles jobs in carpet replacement and house cleaning, highlighting the tough sacrifices he makes to pursue his passion for baseball.

Morimoto plays primarily as an outfielder and has taken on a significant role within his team, adapting to the baseball culture in Australia that he finds to be less refined than in Japan. However, he acknowledges that Australian players display impressive physical strength and unique skills. The article also touches upon the realities of pursuing sports abroad, such as the high cost of living, exemplified by the prices of everyday items, which further strains his already tight budget while he works five days a week.

The piece also reflects the broader context of Japanese players seeking opportunities abroad, especially in baseball, as illustrated by their participation in events like the World Baseball Classic, indicating a growing trend among skilled players to chase opportunities outside Japan. This pursuit is seen through the lens of personal sacrifice and resilience as they navigate life and competition in a foreign sporting landscape.

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