"I say this every year, but I want to strike out title. It's the highest-ranking metric, so I'll be working towards that."

Lotte's Atsuki Taneichi has set his sights on winning the most strike out title next season.

In the first half of the season, he pitched 86 1/3 innings in 14 games, with a record of 3 wins and 6 losses, 67 strike out, and ERA of 3.65. He said, "I think the best thing was being able to think about and work on the mechanics on my own. I extended my individual practice time. I made sure to leave team practice early and create 30 minutes to an hour to think." After the All-Star break, he pitched 74 1/3 innings in 10 games, with a record of 6 wins and 2 losses, 94 strike out, and an astonishing ERA of 1.45.

He achieved quality starts (three earned runs) in nine of his ten games, and missed the QS against Nippon-Ham on October 4th. He was originally scheduled to pitch five inning, and closer five runs innings. He recorded a personal best of 15 strike out in a single game against Nippon-Ham on September 27th, and has recorded double-digit strike out four times since the All-Star break. His 41 strike out in August and 48 strike out in September and October are league-leading records.

He has always evolved with the same ambition and inquisitive spirit since his rookie days. This offseason, he said, "For the past month, I've been even busier than during the season," indicating that he wasn't satisfied with pitch after the All-Star break and is training hard to show The Marines fans an even higher level of pitching.

With that in mind, what do you think is necessary to perform well throughout the season?

"It's technique. I think technique is the most important thing. Of course, physical strength is necessary, but I think it's important to know how to throw in a way that doesn't tire you out and doesn't cause you injury."

When asked by reporters about his future plans to play in Major League Baseball during contract negotiations, Taneichi revealed, "I have informed the team." In order to play in the Major Leagues, he needs to become the number one pitcher in NPB.

"I've always aimed to be the best, so I want to become pitcher that everyone thinks is the best."

He himself has a strong desire to challenge the majors after becoming the best pitcher in Japan. If he can perform well throughout the season, he could win major titles such as the most strike out title, which he has been aiming for for many years, as well as the best ERA and most wins, and winning the Sawamura Award, the first time in the team's history, would not be a dream. The look on his face when he talked about practice at the press conference showed his satisfaction, and I myself am looking forward to seeing him in bullpen at next year's spring training. I'm that excited. I hope he will achieve overwhelming results in NPB next season and show us pitch that will surprise not only The Marines fans but also fans of all 12 teams.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita