A "confessional conversation" between Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida (44) and pitcher and coach Yoshihisa Hirano (41) was recently held. Kishida, who took charge for the first time this season, helped the team to third place from fifth place last year, and Hirano, who has contributed as a constant guardian angel, is now in his 21st year as a professional, also serving as pitcher coach. The two were drafted in the same year in 2005 and have built a brotherly relationship. With the team aiming to win the league championship for the first time in three years next season, Kishida also spoke of his expectations for "pitcher Hirano." (Interview and composition by Toru Nagata and Shunta Nanbu)

-Though the team managed to finish in third place this season, pitcher must have had some difficulties.

Hirano (hereafter referred to as Hira): "I've been a professional for 20 years, and the only time I've had any problems was when I got sick. I think it was my fourth year. In baseball, if you're no good, you can't pitch in the first team, but if you're good, you can pitch. That's the way the world is, and that's how I've always thought of it."

Kishida (hereafter referred to as Kishi): "I guess it was during the time when I was pitching as a starter. I thought I might have a serious illness, so I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with reflux esophagitis."

Taira: "They told me it was just an upset stomach... but that was really the only time I suffered."

-The plan was to have him pitch the ninth inning alongside Machado this season as well.

Kishi: "As a major premise, everyone probably has the image of 'Hirano = closer'. It's not that there is no closer concept. You want to see the audience too, right?"

Taira: "See, that's what he says, right? He's trying not to let my motivation drop."

Kishi: "Are those expectations getting to be too much for you? But I don't think Hirano's motivation will ever fade."

Taira: "It's not tiring. I just wonder if it's really okay... This year too, I gave in a lot and it felt like a two-man platoon with Machado. It would be a loss for Manager Kishida and the other coaches if people around them thought, 'Why are you using Hirano?'"

Kishi: "You don't have to think that far."

Taira: "I know my current abilities, and I understand that you are being considerate to me. I was also happy when you told me, 'You're the only one after Machado.' But it didn't translate into results. Saiki has come on the scene, Yamazaki Soichiro has made a comeback, and there are many young, good pitcher. I'm just pitching where I'm needed overall. So please don't make any weird assumptions."

Kishi: "I was actually surprised when I heard that Hirano would be taking on the role of coach. I really thought he would play until he was 50. Nakajima Satoshi has also been in a dual role for a long time (9 years). If he does it for 10 years, he'll be over 50. That seems a little unrealistic..."

Taira: "This dual role has really given me a lot of thought. I have nothing but gratitude to the team. I know my own body better than anyone. I have always played professional baseball with a clear goal in mind: what I need to do. I can't do anything so far off the mark. If I ever felt that I couldn't do it (as an active pitcher), I would definitely say so myself. So I will do my best as both a player and a coach."

-What are you two aiming for as allies?

Kishi: "The championship. This is professional baseball, so if we don't aim for that, it would be rude to the fans. We didn't win this year, so we just want to win. As for Hirano, 50 games and 40 saves!"

Taira: "That's going to be tough... but Coach Kishida has told me that, so I'll train hard for next year. I'm honored to be able to take on the dual role, so I'll do my best to make Coach Kishida a man. I have no intention of slacking off in order to win the championship."

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