Yujun Machida, once heralded as "the greatest second baseman" at Koshien, has made quite the transition since retiring from professional baseball. Now, he is the proud operator of five child welfare service facilities across Japan, providing invaluable after-school programs and developmental support. With nearly 40 staff members, his organizations cater to over 100 children, transforming lives one day at a time.
Graduated from the prestigious Tomei Kashiwa Junior High and Koshien High School, Machida's remarkable baseball career included leading his team to the finals of the National Summer High School Baseball Championship. His defensive prowess at second base, coupled with strategic insights, earned him accolades and recognition, but today, he has set his baseball bat aside to nurture young minds.
Just as he cultivated team spirit on the baseball field, Machida has emphasized the importance of teamwork at his welfare centers. His organization exists to provide children with more than just supervision; it aims to create warm, welcoming spaces where children feel comfortable and excited to come after school. He reflects on his philosophy, stating, “It’s most important to create a place where children want to come every day, and wish to come again tomorrow.”
During long school breaks, such as summer vacations, children spend most of their day at the facility, where they engage not only socially but also develop skills for daily life, such as meals and hygiene. For Machida, educating children is not solely about instruction but rather ensuring they feel relaxed and at ease. “We are not magicians, so we cannot change things drastically,” he adds. “We support children at their own pace.”
What’s more, his focus on building strong relationships extends to both staff and parents, reflecting the camaraderie he cherished during his athletic days. Machida ensures communication with parents through regular meetings every few months, discussing each child’s progress, integrating input from families to create a support network beneficial for the children’s growth.
Key to maintaining staff morale, Machida believes prioritizing employee satisfaction directly correlates with the quality of service provided to children and their families. “No matter how rewarding the job is, if the workplace environment and treatment aren't satisfying, staff will leave,” he emphasizes, committed to creating supportive working conditions.
His facilities are far from typical welfare spots. They echo his high standards with cleanliness and comfort, fostering both the well-being of staff and children. Staff are encouraged to express themselves freely, where the flexibility extends to personal styles such as hair and attire—an initiative aimed at enhancing enjoyment at work. Machida notes, “By allowing staff freedom to choose their appearance, they bring positive energy to the children.”
Reflecting on his evolution from being the “legendary second baseman” to leading children’s welfare initiatives, Machida sees significant parallels between both realms. He sees children's development akin to sports training, where progress is often gradual, and practicing patience is key. He says, “Children increase their abilities through success and failure. It’s similar to baseball where not everything can be learned quickly.”
The passion Machida harbors for nurturing and supporting children illuminates his broader life purpose post-baseball. His initiatives not only aim to uplift children from underserved backgrounds but they connect to his past, changing his story’s narrative. Giving back is important to him; he states, “I feel deeply grateful for the joyful baseball life I had, and I want to return the favor.” Whether through his business endeavors, or engaging directly with children through sports—a parallel venture of running baseball clinics for underprivileged youths—his dedication shines through.
Machida's influence remains evident through community response. The growth of his welfare programs indicates the demand for comfortable spaces where kids can feel supported. The absence of stress is palpable to him, for he expresses, “My job is happy for me, and I never feel gloomy about going to work on Monday nights.” This happiness stems from witnessing the children’s progress and achievements. For him, every child who conquers personal challenges brings lasting joy.
Even though Machida has sidelined his baseball cap for now, his lessons learned, character built, and reputation forged continue to influence his endeavors, it seems he is just as much of champion off the field. Machida's story shows how former athletes can embrace new roles beyond their previous fame, making heartfelt impacts on society's future by nurturing the youngest members.