Japan High School Baseball Federation considers introducing a 7-inning system as a measure against heat waves... Controversy heats up

The Tokyo Shimbun reported on the 7th that controversy is rising as a plan to introduce a '7-inning system' is being considered in the 'Japan National High School Baseball Championship' (Koshien Tournament), which is very popular in Japan.

The Japan High School Baseball Federation is considering introducing a '7-inning system', in which games that run up to 9 innings are limited to 7 innings, to the Koshien Tournament to be held in August 2028 as a measure to deal with the summer heat wave that becomes more severe every year.

The reason the federation is considering a 7-inning format is because the extreme heat continues every year and the health of student athletes is threatened.

Japan's national high school baseball tournament is held twice in March and August at Koshien Baseball Stadium in Hyogo Prefecture.

Among these, competitions held in the summer are especially popular. Even in the scorching heat, the stadium was packed with spectators and public interest was so great that it was broadcast live on television. This year's competition is the 108th and has a deep history and tradition.

Due to the impact of climate change, record-breaking heat waves continue every summer, making it difficult for both athletes and audiences. However, it is not easy to change the event schedule as it is held during the summer vacation in consideration of protecting the athletes' learning rights.

Meanwhile, the expert meeting established by the federation to resolve the problem issued a report in December last year stating that it is desirable to introduce a 7-inning system from 2028.

First of all, last August's tournament was divided into two parts, morning and afternoon, to avoid midday, but there were still 16 suspected cases of heat-related illness during the tournament, and discussions on the 7-inning system are in full swing after the tournament.

There is strong opposition from the high school baseball community regarding the discussion. The biggest reason is the concern that the 7-inning system will reduce interest in the game itself.

Aoyagi Hirofumi Kendai Takasaigo, the baseball team coach who finished second in this year's tournament, opposed the 7-inning system, saying, "(In high school baseball) there is drama after the 7th inning. That's where you gain strength and have fun holding on."

Another opposing argument is the worry that the 7-inning system will reduce players' opportunities to play.

Coach Takushoku Goryogo Nobuyuki Sakamaki criticized, “In baseball, the flow changes every three innings, and the 7-inning system will ruin this flow,” and added, “The problem is that players’ opportunities to play are decreasing.”

A baseball player who has served as a high school baseball coach argued, “As the innings progresses, not only physical strength but also concentration becomes more important,” and “Increasing the number of candidate players will reduce the burden on the players.”

The Tokyo Shimbun said, “If the 7-inning system is introduced, the foundation of high school baseball will change,” and added, “There are many voices in the field wishing to maintain the 9-inning system.”