[Rakuten Eagles] Rui Muneyama, who doesn't feel lonely even when he's alone, hones his skills through solo training at his own pace

Sports Hochi

2025.12.18(木) 18:07

Rakuten Eagles infielder Rui Muneyama (22) attended contract negotiations at his home stadium, Rakuten Eagles Mobile, on the 18th and signed a contract for an annual salary of 40 million yen, an increase of 24 million yen (all amounts are estimates). His second-year salary is the highest fielder in the team. He revealed that he will be training alone in Kagoshima Prefecture in January of next year, explaining, "I thought that working alone would be the best way to do it, at my own pace without having to conform to others and to focus on what is truly necessary." His past successes were a major influence on this decision.

During his fourth year at Meiji University, he suffered two broken bones and was forced to adjust his training menu separately from the team. He says that he felt a change when he returned to training alone. "I took another look at my body, thought about what I should do, and practiced, and then I felt that my movements changed. I don't dislike doing things alone, and I felt that it led to my growth, so I think I can do it." In order to do what he needs to do to make a leap in his second year, he is steadily training alone.