Lotte's Akito Takabe challenged his own limits this fall.

During the autumn training at Zozo Marine Stadium, Takabe said, "First of all, it's about my body. I have to get stronger, so I need to understand how much ability I have, first I need to know my limits, and think about whether my body can move when I'm tired, and what kind of movements I make when I'm tired. I want to think about it and do my best even though it's tough." He was working hard in training to find out his limits amidst the rigorous practice.

Having completed the autumn training at Zozo Marine Stadium and the autumn camp in Miyakonojo, have they been able to understand their own limits?

"What I learned in Miyakonojo is that I don't get tired," he said reassuringly. "So I thought it would be fine no matter how much I practiced, and all I had to do was avoid getting injured."

Regarding his own training, he said, "I want to immerse myself in it. I want to concentrate on myself and do it silently. I think I can push myself to my limits," and he intends to train thoroughly on his own.

Now that Takabe has learned that practicing doesn't tire him out, he plans to continue practicing and improve his skills in preparation for next season.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita