Batter Up! TDK Teamwork On & Off The Baseball Diamond

It turns out there is real joy in baseball. And not just in America.

At TDK, we're not just known for cutting-edge technology. Our baseball team also has fans the world over. 

TDK's company team is more than just a casual get-together. We take baseball seriously. TDK established the team in 1959 and is part of the Japan Baseball Federation, a public interest-incorporated foundation.

It's a semi-professional baseball team out of Nīkaho City, the southwest side of Akita prefecture in Japan, comprising 32 TDK employees. 

Baseball and technology have the power to inspire passion and excitement in those who love them, and both can bring people together.

This year, the TDK baseball team's slogan is: "We bring joy (to our fans) — let's give it all in this moment."

So who are we cheering on? Let's meet 3 of our players!

Q&A: In the Bullpen With the TDK Team

Whether it's engineering new technologies or winning baseball championships, teamwork at TDK really does make the dream work.

We spoke to three players on the TDK baseball team who are scoring big on and off the field.

Kanto Kitabatake 

Position and years on the baseball team: Outfielder (center field), 3 years on the team

Department and position within TDK: HR and General Affairs

What is your particular skill related to your position in baseball? Using my speed for defense and my arm strength for throwing.

How do you balance baseball practice, personal life, and work? I don't think about baseball during my personal time, and I try to balance work, baseball, and personal life.

What is your proudest accomplishment in your TDK baseball career? Being the top batter twice in the city tournament qualifying rounds.

What motivates you to play baseball? The support of my family and friends.

What was your best game ever? Every game that secured our spot in the city tournament.

How would your teammates describe you? A kind person.

Have you always wanted to join TDK baseball team? I've wanted to join since the coach approached me in college.

Do you have any lucky charms? No, I don't.

What do you enjoy most about playing for TDK? There are many competitive players on the team, and we compete to hit the most home runs.

Do your family members come to support you during games? They come to watch the big tournaments. I am really grateful for their support, and I always try to perform well for them.

Hiroki Suzuki 

Position and years on the baseball team: Pitcher, 4 years

Department and position at TDK: HR and general affairs

What is your particular skill related to your position in baseball? My best skills are a powerful fastball with a speed of up to 154 km/h and good control of changeups.

How do you balance your baseball practice, personal life, and work? I try to complete my work duties within the company, so that I can focus on baseball practice and my personal life.

Please tell us about your proudest achievement in your baseball career at TDK: Winning the Outstanding Player Award at the 93rd Intercity Baseball Tournament in 2022.

What motivates you to play baseball? First and foremost, I love baseball, and I have a strong desire to achieve great things on the big stage.

What was your best game so far? The first game against Honda at the 93rd Intercity Baseball Tournament.

How do your teammates describe you? A sincere person when it comes to baseball and a humorous person.

Did you always want to join TDK baseball team? I wanted to become a professional baseball player.

Do you have any lucky charms? No, I don't.

What do you enjoy most about playing for TDK? Being able to achieve satisfying plays and results during tournaments.

Do your family members come to support you during games? Yes, they do. I feel happy and grateful to have their support.

Which technology interests you more, cassette tapes or AR/VR? AR/VR. I'm excited to see how science will progress with this technology in the future.

Shukichi Natsui 

Position and years in the baseball team: Captain, Infielder (Shortstop), 5th year in the club

Department and position at TDK: Talent Development Center

What is your particular skill related to your position in baseball? Footwork and steps while on defense

How do you balance baseball practice, private life, and work? By doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Rest when necessary.

Please tell us about a record in your TDK baseball career that you are proud of:  I will make it soon (winning the Intercity Baseball Tournament).

What drives you to play baseball? The tension during serious competition motivates me.

What was your best game so far? The games where we qualified for the Intercity Baseball Tournament and Japan Championship

How do your teammates describe you? As a man who gets things done when it needs to be done.

Did you always want to join the TDK baseball team? Yes, I did.

Do you have any lucky charms or rituals? Polishing my equipment.

Have you worked on any TDK product or technology that you are most proud of? Synchro Tape: I haven't worked on it, but I am proud that it all started from Japan's tape recorder sales three years after it was released.

What do you enjoy most about playing for TDK? Winning games.

Do your family members come to support you during games? Yes, they do. It makes me happy and gives me strength.

If there were any technology that could help you in baseball games in the future, what would it be? I would like to research the opponent's pitcher using AR/VR or other technologies.

Any Famous Players In The Team's History?

The first TDK player drafted to the pros from TDK was Satoshi Nibe.

This baseball team is a fun way for our company to contribute to society and improve employee engagement. As a stakeholder, we take things a step further and hold baseball clinics and other volunteer activities supported by our community and employees. Batter up!

Gland Slams: A History of Champs

In 1973, the team had its first appearance in the 44th Intercity Baseball Tournament. The next year, it had its first appearance in the 1st Japan Championship. Fast forward to 2006, and the TDK team had its first victory in the 77th Intercity Baseball Tournament, the only victory from Tohoku.

Cheer on the Red, White & Blue

The TDK baseball team sports red, light blue, and red uniforms while playing against teams such as Toyota, Honda, and JRhigashinihontouhoku (a railway company in Japan). 

As you can imagine, the competition among our techies is a sight (and joy) to watch!

Do you have a favorite TDK player? Let us know in the comments!