Changes in wooden baseball bat manufacturing anddistribution in Japan

Abstract

To examine changes in the wood species and in the manufacturing and distribution of wooden baseball bats (henceforth bat) in Japan, we interviewed managers at six major domestic bat factories and conducted a literature review. In 1979, almost all bats manufactured domestically were made of Japanese ash (Fraxinus lanuginosa) in Hokkaido. However, around 2005, manufacturers began using North American and Chinese maple (Acer sp.) and Chinese moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). Currently, at least 70% of the bats manufactured domestically are made of imported woods. We found three major changes in the distribution. First, the number of bat material factories in Hokkaido has decreased sharply. Second, there is a clear divide between manufacturers who remain as subcontracting factories and those who do not. Third, whereas bats were processed and manufactured in Japan in 1985, today overseas processing is popular, and some are manufactured in China. In addition, the online sale of bats has become popular. To continue the manufacture of F. lanuginosa bats in Hokkaido, it is necessary not only to protect and grow F. lanuginosa but also to indicate the country of origin on bats.