Japanese Women’s Cricket under Cherry Blossoms

Photographing the 2021 Japan women’s national cricket squad trials in Sano offers a unique blend of professional sports and seasonal beauty. This gallery captures elite athletes during fitness tests and match play under blooming cherry blossoms. Using a Fujifilm X-T3, these images document the growth of cricket in Japan within a traditional Tochigi landscape.

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A Japanese female cricket player in red and yellow swings at a ball mid-air on an outdoor pitch with trees in the background.

As a lifelong cricket fan, the opportunity to photograph the 2021 Japan women’s national cricket squad trials was a dream come true. An early 5 a.m. start for the journey to Tochigi Prefecture did little to dampen my excitement for a day of top-tier sports photography. The long trip was instantly rewarded with the sight of incredible talent on the field.

A batter swings at a cricket ball while the wicketkeeper and fielder watch closely on a sunny outdoor field.
Two female cricket players walk across an outdoor pitch with blooming cherry blossoms in the background.

Morning fitness and skills sessions

With the 2020 season lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a palpable sense of anticipation as the players gathered for the first time. High-Performance Manager Simon Dart wasted no time in putting the hopefuls through their paces with a series of demanding fitness and skills tests. The morning’s intensity set the stage for a compelling afternoon.

High-Performance Manager Simon Dart stands with players on a cricket field against a backdrop of cherry blossoms.
High-Performance Manager Simon Dart
A batter in blue gear focuses on an incoming ball during a Japanese women’s cricket match.

Following a well-deserved lunch break, the players engaged in a lively pairs batting competition. The high standard of bowling, batting, and fielding was immediately apparent. What stood out even more was the camaraderie and mutual encouragement among the athletes. It was a testament to the spirit of cricket.

A young player in protective gear stands at the wickets during a Japanese women’s cricket practice session.

Emerging Japanese women’s cricket stars

Among the squad, a few players made a significant impression. Chelsea Moscript, an Australian-born cricketer playing in Japan, brought a wealth of experience and infectious energy to the trials. Her few overs of leg spin were a masterclass in skill and control.

Ayaka Kanda delivers the ball during a Japanese women’s cricket match with blooming cherry blossoms in the background.
Ayaka Kanda delivers a ball.
A batter swings at a cricket ball as the wicketkeeper waits during a Japanese women’s cricket match.

Another standout was the young pace bowler, Ayaka Kanada. At just 24, she showcased a potent combination of speed, accuracy, and sound technique that promises a bright future. While the trial format offered only a brief glimpse of the batters, their solid techniques and patience were evident. It will be exciting to see them perform in full-match scenarios.

A stump flies through the air during a Japanese women’s cricket match with cherry blossoms in the background.
A bowler delivers the ball during a Japanese women’s cricket training session on an outdoor pitch.

Sano Cricket Ground and sakura

What elevated the day from a great sporting event to an unforgettable experience was the stunning backdrop of the Sano International Cricket Ground. The iconic cherry blossoms were in full bloom, framing the action in a way that is quintessentially Japanese. The sight of a cricket match being played with a huge tree covered with a pink and white canopy in the background is a memory I will long cherish.

Players on a sunny field during a Japanese women’s cricket match with cherry blossoms in the background.

Growth of the cricket in Japan

The 2021 trials marked a welcome return to competition and set a positive tone for the season to come. The growing enthusiasm for Japanese women’s cricket is evident, with universities establishing clubs and new venues like the one in Kaizuka, Osaka, emerging. With games being live-streamed on YouTube, the visibility of Japanese cricket is on an upward trajectory. This national team is poised to be at the forefront of this exciting charge. If you want to learn more, check out the Japan Cricket Association’s website.

A player in a blue training bib smiles behind a practice net during a Japanese women’s cricket session.

Photography gear for this shoot

  • Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
  • Lens: Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
Check Fujinon XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 availability on Amazon

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