Lotte's Kyota Fujiwara is close to reaching the required number of at-bats.

Although he is playing as the leadoff hitter, Fujiwara said, "It's the hardest thing for a leadoff hitter to have a good batting average, and this season has been extremely difficult." He added, "Whether I'm doing well or badly, the next day comes, so I have to make the necessary adjustments and do it every day. If I don't get on base twice a day, my on-base percentage will go down, so it's difficult in some ways, but it's also rewarding. If you ask me if I'm suited to being the leadoff batter, I wouldn't say I'm suited yet, and there are some difficult aspects, but I think I'll get used to it as I go along."

On-base percentage of .343. Regarding this number, he said, "I think he still has some pretty good numbers. It's really difficult, but I think he's doing reasonably well so far. He still has a lot to do, and I think he needs to keep doing this for 10 years, not just one year, so I was reminded of how amazing (Hanshin Tigers 's) Hanshin Tigers is, doing this every year."

When asked specifically what makes him so impressive, he said, "It's amazing that he can put up such consistent numbers throughout the year, and I think every player has some kind of pain in their body after playing all year, but he's been able to play every year without any major injuries, and only with injuries that are tolerable.He's physically strong, including his ability to stolen base, and I think he's good."

Regarding taking care of his body, Fujiwara said, "I try a lot of things other than seeing a trainer, and I also take alternating baths. How you rest is really important, so you have to do it even when you're completely exhausted. I also think it's important to be creative. This is the first year I've competed for the entire year, and I haven't finished the season yet, so there's a chance I could suffer a serious injury, so I want to do everything I can."

(Interviewer: Nippon Broadcasting System announcer Oizumi Kento)