The Miyoshi native threw the ceremonial first pitch before Japan-Puerto Rico. She told the WBSC that "it is exceptional that Miyoshi can host an event of this calibre".

The First Lady of Japan, Yuko Kishida, threw the ceremonial first pitch in Miyoshi before Japan-Puerto Rico. The defending World Champions struggled for three innings against Janiliz Rivera, then scored all their runs in the fourth. Venezuela came from behind to outscore France in six innings by the run-difference rule. Cuba scored in their first at-bat, but Chinese Taipei reversed the lead in the bottom of the first and took control.

Puerto Rico's ace Janiliz Rivera kept the defending World Champions hitless for three innings. Japan scored all the runs they needed in the bottom of the fourth. Kana Onodera struck out 12 and earned the win.

France started their first-ever Women's Baseball World Cup game well and scored first, leaving Venezuela behind 1-0 in the first. The debutantes stayed in the game for four innings, but the South American side roared back for an 11-1 six-inning romp.

The starting pitcher threw five solid innings for the win and contributed from the cleanup spot with two hits and two RBIs.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Integrity Unit has begun the third round of its Continental Association (CA) Governance Review.

Miyoshi city in Japan treated the WBSC Family and the teams participating in the IX Women's Baseball World Cup Group B to a welcome reception. WBSC Secretary General Beng Choo Low said: "We feel flattered by the attention and care we see in Mayor Satoshi Fukuoka's welcome plan."

The managers and captains of Japan, Chinese Taipei, Cuba and France met the press in Miyoshi City, Japan. WBSC Executive Director Michael Schmidt said having six teams represent three different continents is "what the WBSC is about, bringing the world together".

“It’s an honour to work with these young players and help them to develop. It’s always an honour to represent Puerto Rico,” said Molina.

The two six-team groups will be staged in Taipei City (TPE) and the Americas (location TBC) while Japan earned the hosting rights for a group game, the Super Round and the finals.