Toshimasa Shimada named new chair of Japan's Women’s Softball League
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>The organization is preparing to launch a reformatted league in 2022, which will replace the current Japanese league. </p>
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<p>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. </p>
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<p>"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.</p>
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<p>"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."</p>
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<p>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.</p>
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<p>An overview of the new league will be announced later in the year.</p>
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