A life-size panel of Yukiko Ueno, ace of Japan's proud women's softball, is up in the free space beside the Palaceside Building first-floor east main entrance =photo above. Display is planned through Monday, November 5.
It is a PR piece by The Mainichi Newspapers for the 2018 JAPAN CUP International Women's Softball Tournament in Takasaki (hosted by the Japan Softball Association and The Mainichi Newspapers, co-hosted by Takasaki City) at Jonan Baseball Stadium in Takasaki, Gunma, November 2–4 — a panel of the instant she hurled a powerful fastball.
The meet gathers the world's top teams; Takasaki hosts for a third straight year. This year Japan, the United States, Australia and Chinese Taipei take part. Japan won in 2016 and 2017 and aims for a third straight, its fourth title.
The four play a round-robin. Day 2: USA–Taipei, USA–Australia, Japan–Taipei; day 3: Japan–USA, Australia–Taipei, Japan–Australia; then on the 4th the top two play the final and the bottom two the third-place game.
At the August world championship Japan lost the final to the U.S. and missed the title, so they will be after revenge. Ueno plays for Bic Camera Takasaki; the venue is truly home, and at a September press conference she said motivation is up and she wants to show good play.
Toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, we look forward to Japan's play.