Toshimasa Shimada named new chair of Japan's Women’s Softball League

The Japan Women's Softball League Organization announced yesterday at a press conference in Tokyo that Toshimasa Shimada has been appointed as the new chairman of the organisation, one of the top softball leagues in the world. Taeko Utsugi, a WBSC Executive Board Member, will serve as vice chair and will be in charge of the competition side of the operation.

The organization is preparing to launch a reformatted league in 2022, which will replace the current Japanese league.  

As an independent operating entity, the Japan Women's Softball League Organization will work to strengthen community-based, business expansion and promotion, as the new league takes shape.

"We’re aiming to be the best league in the world," Shimada said. The new head wants to increase fans and income for the league.

"I think it is dangerous for softball to leave the Olympics after the Tokyo Games, but I would like to see it as an opportunity,” said Shimada. “I want to create a new league that does not rely on the Olympics, because it has its own potential."

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Shimada brings a tremendous wealth of experience. He had served in several top positions for the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team Nippon-Ham Fighters, relocating the team to Sapporo in 2004. He was also director and chairman of the NPB’s International Relations Committee.

An overview of the new league will be announced later in the year.