On August 19 and 20, 2026, "Taka-sai SUMMER BOOST 2026 in Taipei" was held at games hosted by the Taiwan professional baseball (CPBL) team, the Wei Chuan The Dragons.

Against the backdrop of the deepening exchange between the two teams triggered by 　Hsu Jo-Hsi pitcher joining the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, and as part of the strategic partnership signed in 2025, the worldview of The Hawks' signature summer event "Taka-sai SUMMER BOOST" was expressed in Taiwan. Many fans rushed to the venue on the day, filling the Taipei Dome.

This time, GM Ding Zhong-wei of the Wei Chuan The Dragons, who oversees both the team's business and baseball operations, sat down for an interview to discuss the excitement of the highly successful event and the underlying philosophy of team management and development.

Turning '1+1' into 'more than 2': A new stadium experience created by the fusion of cultures.

"This initiative is based on a three-year strategic partnership agreement between the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks and the Wei Chuan The Dragons from 2026 to 2028. It includes a high-level strategic cooperation system covering team management, inter-team exchange, and human resource development," GM Ding Zhong-wei begins.

Regarding this partnership, the GM emphasizes, "We aim not only to improve team management but also to make people who like baseball love baseball even more." While expressing deep gratitude for the sincere and professional attitude of The Hawks' side, he revealed his thoughts on the significance of the "Taka-sai SUMMER BOOST" held in Taiwan for the first time as follows.

"The goal was not simply to bring the Taka-sai SUMMER BOOST to Taiwan. We believed that by combining the professional entertainment production and meticulous design from the Japanese side with the enthusiastic cheering culture and high level of fan participation from the Taiwanese side, we could create a completely new stadium experience. Our goal was to bring out the best in both sides and sublimate '1+1' into 'more than 2'."

The figure of a top athlete shown by Tsuyoshi Wada

That aim was brilliantly realized. The number of visitors on the first day of the event (the 19th) reached 17,018, breaking the record for the highest attendance at the Taipei Dome on a weekday. In the stands, a spectacular sight unfolded as fans donned the collaboration jersey.

"The numerical results are remarkable, but more than that, the sight of various fans gathering in one place and experiencing this event together was moving above all else. People of different ages and fans who usually support different teams came together as one, wearing the same special jersey to cheer," the GM reflects on the excitement in the stands that day.

Furthermore, the presence of Tsuyoshi Wada, who appeared as The Hawks alumnus for the ceremonial first pitch and baseball clinics, reportedly provided great inspiration to the entire organization.

"Mr. Wada was very approachable with everyone, and despite being a top star, everyone could feel his warm personality. On the other hand, he is extremely stoic and disciplined with himself, paying attention to every fine detail. There is no compromise whatsoever regarding his professionalism. For the entire team, he was a wonderful role model to learn from by seeing a top player up close."

The jersey as a "symbol of memory" and the true meaning of the business

In this event, a total of 27,000 limited collaboration jerseys were distributed over two days, and it was a huge success, including the pop-up store development at a commercial facility near the Taipei Dome. Regarding the marketing results, the GM is looking beyond the numbers at the "fan experience."

"We did not want this jersey to end up as just a giveaway or merchandise. We designed it with the hope that it would become a 'symbol of memory' that allows fans to look back on the memories of these two days every time they put it on in the future. The high evaluation of these various goods and mobilization numbers has proven that there is definite market value in international cooperation and cultural exchange.

However, what we value most of all is creating an opportunity for fans to realize the joy of baseball through this experience and to continue visiting the stadium in the future."

Coach Furukubo's 'expertise and humanity,' and the 'self-discipline' brought by Japanese players.

When the conversation turned to baseball operations (on-field organization and development), the GM's tone became even more passionate. Regarding the presence of Kenji Furukubo, who currently serves as the roving farm and varsity development coordinator and has been active as a coach in Taiwan for many years, the GM praised both his character and his skill.

"Regarding Coach Furukubo, firstly, he possesses outstanding expertise in baseball and brings the meticulous and rigorous training plans and coaching policies unique to Japanese baseball. Secondly, as for his personality, he is close to the players and is very skilled at communication and fostering harmony. He maintains a very close distance with the players. In order to leverage these two great strengths of 'high expertise' and 'humanity,' we have asked him to serve as a roving coach across both the first and second teams."

Furthermore, he mentioned the positive impact that Japanese players challenging the CPBL in recent years have had on the league as a whole.

"In the history of the CPBL, the participation and competition of foreign players have always contributed significantly to the improvement of the league's overall technical level. Japanese players, in particular, leave a strong impression not only because of their playing skills but also because their attitude toward baseball and their thorough self-management (self-discipline) are truly wonderful. There are many points for Taiwanese players to emulate, and we view this movement of diverse talent interacting with each other as a very positive and welcome trend."

Gratitude to fans in Taiwan and Japan: "Together, we have completed a single story."

To conclude the interview, the GM sent a message of gratitude to the fans who rushed to the Taipei Dome and to Japanese baseball fans.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the fans who visited the Taipei Dome this time. It was only through your passionate participation that this game transcended being a mere event to become a wonderful fusion of The Hawks and the Wei Chuan The Dragons, allowing us to complete a single story together."

The enthusiasm born at the Taipei Dome is steadily spreading toward the future of the Japanese and Taiwanese baseball worlds. The partnership between both teams has moved beyond the framework of box-office success and is beginning to mark a new era of Japan-Taiwan baseball exchange.