Consul General Takahashi Joins Sea Dogs’ Second “Japan Day” (August 23, 2026)
August 26, 2026
On August 23, Consul General Takahashi delivered remarks and threw the first pitch at the Portland Sea Dogs' second Japan Day, honoring Horace Wilson, a Maine native contributed to introducing baseball to Japan in late-19th Century. Hosted by Portland's Double-A baseball team, Japan Day is a celebration of the strong connections between Maine and Japan, along with the shared love of baseball that continues to bring the two communities together.
In his remarks, Consul General Takahashi expressed appreciation for the close ties between Japan and Maine, highlighting Horace Wilson’s legacy and baseball’s role as a bridge of friendship between Japan and the United States. He also welcomed the continued expansion of cultural, educational, and sister-state exchanges with Aomori Prefecture and expressed hope for an even stronger Japan-Maine partnership in the years ahead.
Consul General Takahashi was joined by Theo Balcom, a descendant of Horace Wilson. The commemorative bat from the 1st Horace Wilson Tournament, held in the Town of Gorham, was also presented to Consul-General Takahashi. The celebration also featured cultural performances, including Soran Bushi dancing by Showa Boston and Taiko drumming by Maine Taiko Dojo, allowing many visitors to enjoy the charm of Japanese culture.
In his remarks, Consul General Takahashi expressed appreciation for the close ties between Japan and Maine, highlighting Horace Wilson’s legacy and baseball’s role as a bridge of friendship between Japan and the United States. He also welcomed the continued expansion of cultural, educational, and sister-state exchanges with Aomori Prefecture and expressed hope for an even stronger Japan-Maine partnership in the years ahead.
Consul General Takahashi was joined by Theo Balcom, a descendant of Horace Wilson. The commemorative bat from the 1st Horace Wilson Tournament, held in the Town of Gorham, was also presented to Consul-General Takahashi. The celebration also featured cultural performances, including Soran Bushi dancing by Showa Boston and Taiko drumming by Maine Taiko Dojo, allowing many visitors to enjoy the charm of Japanese culture.
