MEcoH Participates in a Softball Tournament and won 2nd Place!

Joining MEcoH may seem like a life committed to building collaborative research in matters of molecular ecology and health... but did you know that we play softball too!? 

As a division under The Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), MEcoH members have a unique opportunity to participate in an annual friendly softball tournament held by the research center.  

Prof. Kozo pitching for the team

Okamoto batting like a pro

​Anyone from CMES can join, from full-time professors to undergraduate students! Participants gathered at the Yamagoe Ground and had a great time batting and pitching from 8.45 am to 3.40 pm.

Location of the softball tournament (Map drawn by a passionate member)

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​This year's friendly softball tournament marked the lifting of CoV-2 restrictions after nearly 3 long years. So, you can feel the excitement in the air as the players gave their all!

This softball tournament is also a great venue to promote leadership, teamwork, and all-around good vibes. Importantly, members of MEcoH had the opportunity to plan and lead an event outside of research where our very own research student, Danyoshi Arata and Mosle played the role as the lead organizer and team captain respectively.

​This tournament helped nurture a stronger bond not just among professors and their respective research associates but between divisions within CMES. So, it is a rare opportunity for international researchers and students to immerse in a quintessential Japanese pastime. 

Here are some excerpts from MEcoH members sharing their experience on that eventful day:

私はCMES対抗ソフトボール大会の運営役を務めました。自分自身初めての大会だったのでうまく進行できるか不安でしたが、多くの人に楽しんでもらえたみたいで安心しました。また、この大会を通して研究室のメンバーとさらに仲が深まったと感じました。今年は2位だったので来年は優勝を目指したいと思います
I was in charge of organizing the CMES softball tournament. It was my first time participating in a tournament, so I was worried about whether it would go well, but I was relieved that so many people seemed to enjoy it. I also felt that I was able to deepen my relationships with the members of my laboratory through this competition. We came in second place this year, so I would like to aim for 1st place next year.
- 段吉新大 (Danyoshi Arata)

Transitioning from cricket to softball brought both excitement and challenges to my day while on the field. Unlike cricket, where I'm used to batting, softball presented a learning curve due to its distinct set of rules. Catching the ball with a glove instead of bare hands felt unfamiliar, and releasing the bat while sprinting to a base was a novel concept. However, embracing these differences made the experience all the more enjoyable. In the end, I had a fantastic time playing softball, and the thrill of the game made it a memorable and fun-filled adventure
- Shafi

このソフトボール大会を終えて、研究室室内での親交を深めることができたと感じてます。また、工学部以外の研究室と関わることができ非常にいい機会になったと思います。
After this softball tournament, I felt that I was able to deepen my friendships within the laboratory. I also think it was a great opportunity to get involved with a research lab outside of the Faculty of Engineering.
- 岡本拓⺒ (Okamoto Takumi)

In my unexpected softball adventure in Japan, I joined a friendly match between our MEcoH team and teams from four different labs under the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences. Despite my initial cluelessness about the game, my team patiently guided me through the rules. Softball, I discovered, is a unique and fascinating sport involving teamwork, communication, and coordination. As the game progressed, I learned the intricacies of catching, throwing, and positioning. The strong sense of community and teamwork struck me, and our team secured 2nd place, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for softball and a desire to continue exploring this dynamic sport.
- Mosle

As mentioned by Danyoshi Arata, MEcoH managed to snatch 2nd place!

Prof. Kozo receiving the 2nd place award from the director of CMES, Prof. Xinyu Guo

Is like what they say: 

Teamwork makes the dream work.

If you have the opportunity to drop by around this time of the year, we here at MEcoH hope that you'll be able to join us next year either as a future participant or as a supporter.

Thank you to all team members of MEcoH softball team. Special mentions: 段吉新大 Danyoshi Arata as the organizer (2nd standing from the left), Mosle as team captain (3rd bottom), and Prof. Kozo (4th bottom).