Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� August, 2003

Prime Minister Attends the Opening Ceremony of All-Japan High School Baseball Championship Tournament Thursday, August 7, 2003 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended the opening ceremony of All-Japan High School Baseball Championship Tournament at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. At the opening address, Prime Minister Koizumi congratulated and encouraged the students by saying, "Congratulations to all of you young baseball players who have endured the everyday tough practices and made your dream come true. We are impressed by the strenuous efforts and enthusiasm you put into every throw and every hit you make. It is great to win, lose, cry and smile. Good luck to all of you." Prime Minister Koizumi attempted the ceremonial first pitch as the first incumbent prime minister.