On August 18, a commission ceremony was held for Shunsuke Watanabe, a team alumnus who was appointed as the ambassador for the project "CO-FIELD KIMITSU," promoted in collaboration between Kimitsu City and Chiba Lotte Marines.

The project name "CO-FIELD KIMITSU," which was announced by Kimitsu City in July this year as the "(Tentative Name) Sadamoto Comprehensive Park Development Basic Plan," embodies the idea of "a place to create together." Taking the relocation of Chiba Lotte Marines 's farm home stadium as an opportunity, the goal is to create a park where anyone can gather and interact regardless of whether there are games, creating new regional value through various initiatives such as supporting children's growth through sports, creating local vibrancy, promoting health, and disaster prevention.

The appointment ceremony was held at Kimitsu City Hall, where Mayor Hiroko Ishii presented the letter to Mr. Watanabe. Next, he was given the ambassador business card for 'CO-FIELD KIMITSU,' which he uses as an ambassador. In his inaugural address, Mr. Watanabe described Kimitsu as 'a place with deep connections, like a second home.'

He also expressed his expectations for "CO-FIELD KIMITSU," saying, "I've heard that just gathering there will make people feel excited—such a wonderful place." Going forward, Mr. Watanabe will serve as an ambassador for "CO-FIELD KIMITSU," sharing the experiences and words he has cultivated through baseball to clearly communicate the project's philosophy and appeal to both inside and outside the city, while also promoting and building momentum through participation in various events.

▼ Comment from Shunsuke Watanabe ▼
"I believe it is my mission as an ambassador to convey as clearly as possible through my own words, what I have experienced and felt through baseball. I have heard that 'CO-FIELD KIMITSU' is a project where everyone, from children to the elderly, regardless of age, gender, or nationality, can freely gather and have fun together. I myself have seen many such stadiums overseas, so the thought of having them in Kimitsu City excites me. I want to help more people discover this charm and work hard so that we can get excited together."

▼ Profile of Shunsuke Watanabe ▼
Born in 1976, from Tochigi Prefecture. After playing for Nippon Steel Kimitsu, he joined Chiba Lotte Marines in 2001. Using his underhand hand, known as 'the lowest in the world,' he contributed to Japan's championship in 2005. In 2006 and 2009, he won back-to-back tournaments as a member of the Japan National Team for the WBC. After leaving Lotte, he played in overseas leagues and in 2015 became a coach for Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Kazusa Magic (now Nippon Steel Kazusa Magic). He served as manager of the team from 2020 to 2025.

▼ "CO-FIELD KIMITSU" Ambassador Overview ▼
・Appointed Person: Mr. Shunsuke Watanabe
・Name: "CO-FIELD KIMITSU" Ambassador
・Commissioning period: August 18, 2026 ~ March 31, 2027
* If the applicant does not request to withdraw, the period will be extra inning for one year
・Activities: Promoting the project's philosophy and appeal, and fostering momentum through participation in various events