The City of Torrance is proud to welcome a delegation from its friendship city, Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, for the 2025 Inaugural Torrance Friendship Games, a week-long cultural celebration of international friendship, youth athletics, and economic collaboration.
This meaningful exchange is made possible through the collaboration with 310 Baseball, a Torrance-based youth baseball organization committed to developing players both on and off the field. The group led the effort to organize the competition and coordinate logistics for the international visit. Their vision and commitment to fostering global goodwill through youth sports were instrumental in bringing the Torrance Friendship Games to life.
Additional support was provided by the Torrance Unified School District, which played a key role in coordinating the use of North High School and South High School fields and in providing host families to welcome the visiting athletes.
On Aug. 5, 20 youth baseball players and their coaches arrived at Los Angeles International Airport. Among the coaching staff is Toru Ohtani, father of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, who manages the middle school baseball team.
The group was officially welcomed at Torrance City Hall during a reception attended by elected officials, 310 Baseball coaches and players, host families, and community leaders. Throughout the week, the visiting delegation will enjoy the best of Torrance, from local dining, hospitality, and retail experiences to cultural outings and community engagement.
Torrance Mayor George K. Chen said, “Hosting the Torrance Friendship Games are about more than just baseball — it creates meaningful opportunities to promote international friendships, tourism, and lay the groundwork for future economic development and global partnerships. We are honored to welcome these young athletes and their coaches from Oshu, and we sincerely appreciate the efforts of 310 Baseball, all the sponsors, city staff, and TUSD for their leadership and vision in bringing this international exchange to life.”
This week also coincides with the annual sister city student exchange with Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture. Visiting students from Kashiwa were recognized at this week’s Torrance City Council meeting, further highlighting the city’s long-standing commitment to international partnerships and youth engagement.
In addition to the athletic programming, the City of Torrance and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce will host an economic development meeting with Oshu staff. The discussion will focus on opportunities for future collaboration in areas such as business investment, tourism development, education and innovation exchange.
As Torrance looks ahead, events like Friendship Games play a key role in the city’s broader strategy to promote itself as a safe, accessible, and welcoming destination for global visitors, particularly in the lead-up to international sporting milestones such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the LA 28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These efforts underscore Torrance’s growth identity as a culturally vibrant and globally connected city.
Friendship Games Schedule of Events
Friday, Aug. 8 – Exhibition games at North High School, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 9 – Opening ceremony and games at Kendall Field, Torrance Park, 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 10 – Final games at South High, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The community is invited to attend and support this display of international sportsmanship. All events are free and open to the public, and residents are encouraged to bring their family and friends to cheer on the teams and celebrate this unique cultural exchange.
Follow their journey and event highlights on the city’s Instagram: @CityofTorranceCA