Celebrating the 1927 Goodwill Tours to Japan by Nikkei and Negro Leaguers

A Historic Chapter of Unity, Resilience, and Sport on the Eve of the Centennial

The centennial of the historic 1927 goodwill baseball tours to Japan is fast approaching—and 2027 will be here before we know it. I’m honored to work with the Nisei Baseball Research Project and the Japan African American Friendship Association (JAFA) to help organize a commemorative tour to Japan that will honor this remarkable chapter of sports diplomacy, cross-cultural unity, and racial resilience. More details are coming soon. Until then, below are highlights of the tour.

In 1927, two groundbreaking American teams—the all-Nisei Fresno Athletic Club, led by Japanese American baseball pioneer Kenichi Zenimura, and the African American Philadelphia Royal Giants, managed by Lon Goodwin—embarked on parallel goodwill tours to Japan. These teams, each representing communities marginalized in the United States, traveled abroad to showcase their athletic excellence and cultural pride.

Zenimura’s disciplined Nisei squad reconnected with ancestral roots while winning over Japanese audiences. Goodwin’s Royal Giants, featuring stars like Biz Mackey and Andy Cooper, captivated fans with their power-driven style and challenged stereotypes by earning respect on foreign soil. On April 20, 1927, the two teams faced each other at Meiji Shrine Stadium in Tokyo—a moment of historic solidarity.

As the 100th anniversary nears, we reflect on baseball’s power to transcend borders and uplift the human spirit.

Learn more at NiseiBaseball.com.