Rakuten 's newly appointed pitcher coach, Chikara Onodera, spoke about his bond with pitcher Takayuki Kishi. They played together for four years, starting in 2007 when they were both with Seibu Lions. "It's amazing that he's been playing for so long," he said, adding, "We've become friends after playing together. I don't think that will ever change."

When asked about his memories of Kishi, he blurted out, "I remember him hitting me when I was in line for my first win. The memory of being hit is more memorable." Kishi made his first professional start on March 30, 2007, against Nippon-Ham (Sapporo Dome), pitching seven runs innings. He took the mound in the ninth inning after Kishi's impressive seventh inning, but gave up two runs, erasing his right to his first win. He also coached Yakult Swallows for nine years, and veteran left-pitcher Masanori Ishikawa "surprisingly drew the line." With that in mind, he said, "I think I need to draw a clear line myself. I might be strict with Kishi," but then added with a wry smile, "I probably can't do that." He added, "I want to communicate properly."

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