Nippon-Ham pitcher Hiromi Ito revealed on the 3rd that if he is selected for next spring's WBC, he intends to approach the tournament in a natural manner.

At the last WBC in 2013, he pitched in the final against the United States, contributing to Japan's victory. However, he struggled in the season, finishing with only seven wins. "I think I should prepare without getting too worked up. At the time, I was working so hard that I couldn't really see beyond that. In fact, I thought the season was just starting from here, so after it was over," he reflected.

Considering his bitter experience, he said, "It's like the best stage is in the process (before the season starts). I imagine it as a restart as The Fighters, as a team. It's a little difficult to put into words." He is determined to give his all for Samurai Japan, but he is also preparing his mind so as not to burn out before the season begins.

When hitter would like to face, he named Yankees pitcher Judge. "Judge. When he swings, it feels like the wind is blowing all the way to mound. There was only one time when I went pro and I felt that. I felt that with Suzuki Seiya. It felt like the wind was blowing. I was a little surprised," he said, revealing the greatness of Suzuki Seiya.