Iwaki was among the cities in north-eastern Japan seriously damaged by the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country in March 2011, with Fukushima effected by nuclear meltdowns.

The city successfully staged this year’s World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-15 World Cup and the sport’s governing body hope the new baseball zone will help to continue the progress made by the region.

"Only a few years after this region was devastated, Iwaki City and the Fukushima community organised the best-ever Under-15 Baseball World Cup," said Riccardo Fraccari, WBSC President.

"With baseball’s place in Japanese culture, we feel it is a great honour and a duty to play whatever small role we can to serve the recovery efforts and bring a spotlight here.

"We hope this new baseball zone helps reflect the positive transformation and bright future of this wonderful region."

The new arena was built to be part of the legacy of the WBSC’s flagship Premier12 tournament, which was staged in Japan and Chinese Taipei last year.

Valued at $100,000 (£82,000/€91,000), the baseball zone was officially handed over to Iwaki City Mayor Toshio Shimizu during a event at the new facility.

Several youngsters were present to play in the playground, which will be free and open to the public.

It has been claimed that the arena can be used for urban baseball games, training sessions and introductory activities.

The zone features synthetic turf, a backstop with targets, batter’s boxes and three marked pitching distances for different age groups.

Baseball and softball have been added to the Olympic programme for the 2020 Games in Japan's capital Tokyo.