While professional baseball is in its off-season, many other sports begin their seasons in winter. Rugby's top domestic league, "League One," is one such example. This time, we spoke with Koji Shimokawa, a young flanker for Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath and one of the biggest baseball fans in the rugby world, about his memories of professional baseball and his enthusiasm for the start of League One. Pay attention to the "The Hawks love" that Shimokawa, who is also expected to play an active role in the Japanese national rugby team, has to say.

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I was captivated by Nobuhiko Matsunaka's grand slam

――You have been a professional baseball fan since childhood, especially The Hawks, can you tell us about your memories of watching baseball games at that time?

The reason I fell in love with baseball was that there was a team called The Hawks in my hometown. My parents' home was about a 10-minute bicycle ride from Yahoo Dome (now MIZUHO PayPay Dome FUKUOKA), so I was close to them. At home, I watched it on TV every day, even on weekdays, in time for the 6 o'clock play ball when I came home from playing in the evening. The most memorable one I saw there was the 2011 "Pacific League Climax Series Finals" Game 2, The Hawks vs. The Lions match. In the bottom of the eighth inning, with two outs and bases loaded, Nobuhiko Matsunaka hit a grand slam from rookie Kazuhisa Makita pitcher. I vividly remember watching it from behind the backstop.

-- That was an amazing scene. What was it about watching baseball that appealed to you at that time?

When I was in elementary school, the appeal of watching a game was learning and singing the cheers together. It wasn't just The Hawks, but back then we all thought The Marines cheering was cool, and the chance themes of players Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Toshiaki Imae, and Kazuya Fukuura were all staples for us.

-- The Chance theme is still considered a classic. Has your perspective on baseball changed since you became an adult?

Yes, my perspective changed when my friends who started playing baseball in junior high and high school started using breaking ball. I started paying attention not only to struck out, but also to the techniques and types of pitches used to force the opponent to hit the breaking ball. Rugby is fast-paced and the play is basically nonstop, whereas baseball has elements that rugby doesn't have, such as "time," "tactics," and "pickoff" between pitcher and batter, which I find interesting.

-- Does rugby rarely change tactics during a match?

Basically, all rugby tactics and analysis of the opponent are completed before the game. Of course, tactics change every game to accommodate the opponent, but once the game starts, you need to hit the ground running with what you have prepared in advance and respond to any unexpected plays. For example, if the opponent suddenly makes a sign play that you have never seen before.

-- Which position does the player in charge of giving instructions in irregular situations?

Basically, the player number 10, the standoff (SO) player, is responsible for this. The standoff is responsible for deciding on signing plays and setting up the development of the game, always looking around, knowing the space to attack, and giving instructions. If you are watching rugby for the first time, it may be easier to understand if you pay attention to the movements of the No. 10, who shakes his head, moves his eyes, and communicates with his teammates.

Unexpected connections to baseball world

--Let's go back to talking about baseball. I heard you read "That's Why I Practice: A Challenge to Get Closer to Geniuses," a book by Tsuyoshi Wada of The Hawks, who is also your senior from university. What kind of influence did it have on you?

I started reading Mr. Wada's book because I wanted to know why he was able to have such a long and successful career. I was particularly influenced by the quote in his book, "My strength lies in the fact that I'm not better than others." I believe that because Mr. Wada thought this way even in college, he was able to forge his own path to becoming a professional athlete, and that his attention to detail and continued efforts allowed him to have such a long and successful career.

When I relate to the flanker position, there are many foreign players, and there was a time when I struggled with the difference in physical ability. But after turning pro and encountering this book, I realized something important, and the player has become even more respectable to me. And I decided to stop aiming to be a player with an insurmountable gap, and instead do what only I can do right now.

—Specifically, what strengths have you honed?

Since I don't have overwhelming physical strength or speed, my strength lies in my hard work when I don't have the ball. I value the mindset of working hard on the really small details, the things anyone can do. Wada-san, although we play different sports, is someone who made me think, "I want to be a player like him."

— Are there any other baseball players you have a particular fondness for?

I still have jersey that belonged jersey Kenji Johjima, number 2 for The Hawks, and I had my name written on it. Nobuhiko Matsunaka was also one of my favorite players. I remember that the first jersey I ever owned was one that my grandmother bought for me, and it belonged to Kazumi Saito. These were players I liked because of my elementary school-aged mentality that "strong people are cool."

Speaking of active players, I had the opportunity to speak with Kotaro Kiyomiya Kiyomiya of Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters when he accompanied his father, Katsuyuki Kiyomiya, to the Waseda University Rugby Club Alumni Association meeting, and I was thrilled that he remembered my name.

Actually, Fukuoka Softbank 's Ryuta Hirose is my second cousin. Until high school, he was in Tokyo and I was in Fukuoka, and now our bases are on the other side, so we've never spoken directly... There's the Waseda-Keio game in college baseball, right? When my alma mater Waseda played against Keio, I had mixed feelings of wanting Waseda to win and wanting Hirose to do well (laughs). As a The Hawks fan, I'm very happy that he joined The Hawks.

--This is a hypothetical question, but if you had become a baseball player while still having the physical condition you have now, what kind of player do you think you would have been?

I think he would have become catcher, taking advantage of his strong physique as a rugby player. He would have been unbeatable at blocking (laughs).

--Naturally, you have a strong arm, so I think you could have become a good catcher (laughs).

"I want to win the opening game this year and gain confidence."

—You participated in the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 held in August and September this year, and the European tour in October and November. How have your experiences in international competitions changed you?

It was a high-level match where not a single mistake could give the opponent a scoring opportunity, and we didn't overlook any of their errors. From that, I felt the importance of paying attention to the smallest details. Physical fitness and attention to detail are the challenges I've learned through international matches, and I'm working on adjusting them as I play more matches.

—How is the team shaping up for this season?

Suntory Sungoliath has three core values: "PRIDE," "RESPECT," and "NEVER GIVE UP," and we continue to work based on these values both on and off ground. We have prepared to surpass our opponents not only technically but also mentally. Last year, we went through a period of not being able to win even before the season started, but this year we are determined to win the opening game and gain confidence.

--This year's Sungoliath team captain is Sam Cane, who has experience as captain of the New Zealand national team and has 104 caps for the All Blacks. There's also a lot of buzz surrounding the return of Tevita Tatafu from France's Top 14. How have you been influenced by these experienced players?

I'm really impressed by Kane's attention to detail in his play. I also learn a lot from his relentless physicality in the breakdown after a tackle and his attitude of never giving up the ball.

--You're both flankers, Kane, but do you feel any sense of rivalry with him?

They are both teammates and rivals. The Sungoliath have a history of fierce competition within the team raising the team's level and leading to victories, so I believe that this year too, having strong competition within the team will make both the team and the individuals stronger.

Tatafu is an overwhelmingly amazing player, a one-of-a-kind player who no one can imitate. He is a player who gives the team momentum and helps them avoid trouble.

-- As for the opening game, this year it will start as a away game.

Our opening match against the Ricoh Black Rams is a team we lost to last season, so we are determined to win. Their key player, No. 9 (scrum half) TJ Perenara from New Zealand, is the key player who gives the team momentum and control, so it will be important to put pressure on him. Personally, I think it's important to get the ball in set plays (scrums and lineouts) and secure attacking opportunities for the team.

--The opening match as host (Ajinomoto Stadium) will be against Toyota Verblitz on December 20th.

Toyota Verblitz also has key players in the number 9 and 10 positions who play a key role in setting up the game. The key will be to prevent Kazuki Himeno from having an opportunity to steal the ball (a technique used to steal the ball from a player who has fallen during a tackle).

Our next host game will be against the Kobelco Kobe Steelers on January 11th, in Round 4. They are a strong team, coming in third last year, and this season they have added two active New Zealand national team players, as well as a Japanese national team player, making them a talented team. We want to fight against them without forgetting that we are the challengers.

At host games, the stands are filled with supporters clad in the team's yellow merchandise, cheering on the team, and it's a moment that boosts the players' motivation. It makes them want to win for the fans and give it their all all year long.

-- What are your personal goals for this season?

Of course, our primary goal is to win the team championship. To achieve that, my personal priority is to "play in as many games as possible and contribute to the team through my play." One challenge that remains after the international tournament is to maintain a high level of success rate in wall tackles. I want to keep practicing and raise the standard level.

-- Finally, could you please give a message to baseball fans about the appeal of watching rugby?

You're probably used to cheering and singing along to baseball games, but rugby is a little different. While play is in progress, there's generally no cheering; the focus is solely on watching the game. I want to convey to professional baseball fans that rugby offers a different kind of sonic enjoyment than the sounds of baseball hits and cheering songs: the dull thud of players colliding with each other. The rules are complex, but I hope that people will initially approach it with the feeling of "coming to see a martial art using a ball," and become interested in the sounds and collisions.

Interview and text by Yu Ebihara

Profile of Koji Shimokawa
He went from Fukuoka's Shuyukan High School to Waseda University, and joined Suntory Sungoliath (now Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath) in 2021. He earned his first cap for the Japanese national team as a substitute in the match against New Zealand in the "Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2022," and has since been a promising young player who has shone in international competitions. His position is flanker (FL).

Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath Host Games: Special Discounts for Rounds 2 and 4
Let's cheer on Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath and Shimokawa at the host game!

Target matches: Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath host games, Round 2 and Round 4
Invited seating type: Goal-end B general admission lower tier (North/South)
Redemption limit: Up to 2 tickets per match; 3rd ticket and beyond at a discounted adult price of 1,000 yen.
Special offer seating category: Back A general admission seats
Adults: 2,000 yen, Junior and Senior High School Students: 1,500 yen, Elementary School Students: Free
Application period: Until 23:59 on Friday, December 19, 2025 (Section 2)
Section 4: Until January 9, 2026 (Friday) 23:59
https://ticketrugby.jp/campaign/sungoliath2025-26_hg_aji?ser=69z5wg1ch

Related Links
・ JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE ONE Official Website
・ Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath Official Website