My cousin sent a belated Christmas card and he noted that his 9yo son was thrilled to be in a great local program where they had 5 hour practices year 'round. This is in Tokyo. Comments?

Had to be a joke.

Not at all Texan. Different approach over there. I don't know how many days a week they practice at 9yo but I guess several at least.

Absolutely ludicrous, IMHO. Way too much at that age.

5 hour practice at 9U, when my son’s team was 9 I had a hard enough time keeping them focused for an hour and half. That's crazy

I lived in Japan for 2 years a long time ago. It wouldn't surprise me. When I was there everything was built around the group. Companies exercised together. Very regimented society. At least back then.