Japan is preparing for a major cricket event as the country looks to increase the popularity of the sport and build stronger international connections through cricket.

A historic Twenty20 match between Japan and India is scheduled to take place in Sano on September 22. The game will mark Japan’s first meeting with a full member of the International Cricket Council, making it an important moment for Japanese cricket.

The event is part of a wider effort by the Japan Cricket Association to develop the sport in a country where baseball and football remain far more popular. Organisers have spent years working to improve cricket’s presence and create more opportunities for Japanese players.

The Japanese government and major sponsor Suzuki are supporting the event. The match is also connected to efforts to strengthen relations between Japan and India through sporting activities.

Japan will also host matches involving other major cricket nations, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. These games will be part of the Asian Games programme and will be played at a former baseball stadium in Nisshin.Japanese cricket officials see the upcoming events as an important step in the development of the sport.

Despite limited facilities and a relatively small player base, the country is hoping international matches can generate greater interest and encourage more people to take up cricket.