Japanese PM Fumio Kishida throws out first pitch for World Baseball Classic Game between Japan and South Korea

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida threw out the first pitch for Friday's World Baseball Classic game between Japan and South Korea, bouncing a ball that was scooped up by Japan manager Hideki Kuriyama, his designated catcher.

Kishida had the credentials to make a better pitch. He was a high school baseball player and is still a big fan of his hometown professional baseball team, the Hiroshima Carp.

Kishida wore No. 101 because he oversees the 101st Japanese government cabinet in modern history.

His appearance was highly symbolic, signaling the improving relations between the two countries who have often been at odds related to Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule in Korea.

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Kishida has invited South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to visit Japan next week for what could be the start of some "shuttle diplomacy."

Kishida and Yoon will meet for a summit on strengthening ties, both governments said Thursday.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida throws the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the first round game between South Korea and Japan at the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo, Japan, on March 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

On Monday, South Korea announced it would raise local funds to compensate Koreans who won damage awards in lawsuits against two Japanese companies over their forced labor during colonial rule.

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Kishida took office in October 2021 and enjoyed high support rating — achieving little but not triggering controversy — until last summer when his governing Liberal