Softbank Hawks infielder Zailen Sobukawa (19) gave a New Year's interview to Shizuoka Hochi. A Filipino slugger who hit 29 home runs in high school, he attracted attention and was drafted second overall in the 2024 developmental draft from Hamamatsu Commercial High School. Last season, he mainly honed his skills in the third and fourth teams. The young Hawks player, who aims to be registered as a regular player, revealed his aspirations for his determined second year. (Interview and composition by Asuka Ito)

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Looking back on his rookie year last season, Zairen said, "It really went by in a flash." He played in 96 games across the third and fourth teams, batting .283. "When I first joined the team, the speed and sharpness of the ball were completely different from high school, and I was worried if I would be okay, but as I built up my physique and gained experience in games, I was able to adapt," he said proudly.

After joining the team, he was greatly inspired by the play of his seniors. "The players on the first team are on a different level. They're all players who can hit home run with ease. In particular, when Yanagida, whom I admired, came to Tamasta Chikugo for rehabilitation, I watched his batting practice and was overwhelmed by his powerful swing." This experience became the foundation for his growth.

He has been concentrating on building his physique, and now weighs 88kg, up 6kg from last year, and his right-handed long-distance hit has become even more powerful. In high school, he attracted attention with a total of 29 Home Run, but in his first year as a pro, he only hit four. His first Home Run came in a game against the Hinokuni Salamanders in the Kyushu Asia League (May 4th, at Livwork Fujisakidai) while playing for the fourth team. It was a shot to the side of the back screen. He keeps it in his locker along with the ball from his first hit. "I feel like I'm hitting more long balls at the plate," he said, expressing his satisfaction.

Frustration is also a spring for growth. In the Western League and Kufu HAYATE matches (Tamasta Chikugo), which was the only appearance in the second team match, he stood in one at-bat, but the result was a blank swing struck out. "It was my charm to swing more and more from the first pitch, but I became nervous and stiff," he reflected. After that, it was corrected and faced the Miyazaki Phoenix League, which opened in October. He gained experience through playing against second-team players from other teams, and said, "I entered the game thinking that I was given another chance.

Regarding his future goals, he said, "I watched the Japan Series on TV, and I want to become a player who can perform well on a stage like that someday. To achieve that, I want to steadily complete each task." He has decided on the kanji character for this year as "yui" (conclusion). "I want to use the experience I gained in my rookie year to steadily tackle my tasks in my second year while focusing on results." He is determined to make his second year a year of great progress.

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I've been covering Sobukawa since his high school days, and what I find most appealing about him is his "persistence," even more than his physical ability or physique. His attitude hasn't changed since joining the team. He places training at the center of his life, and works on building his physique even during the off-season. The origins of this go back to when he was in the second grade of elementary school. Under the guidance of his father, he and his older brother, who is one year older than him, would train for about an hour early in the morning before school. He would train his core indoors even on rainy days, and during middle school he practiced on his own. While attending Hamamatsu Commercial High School, he lived in a boarding house near the high school, and devoted himself to dietary management and training. He continued to train, consuming a total of 1.6 kilograms of rice a day. His favorite saying is "Never forget your original intention." When you think about his journey, this makes perfect sense.

One of his few ways to relax is playing baseball video game "Power Pro." "I created a Zailen with high ability stats and put together batting order with Softbank Hawks players. I even put myself in the fifth spot," he said with a smile. He continues to work hard every day to turn his ideals into reality.

◆Ziren (Sobukawa = Sobukawa = Ziren) was born on May 29, 2006 in Hamamatsu, Japan. 19 years old. He started playing baseball in Asama baseball Sports Boys Club from the 2nd grade of elementary school, and in Otowa baseball Sports Boys Club from the 4th grade of elementary school. After graduating from Hamamatsu Municipal Ototo Junior High School, he went on to Hamamatsu Commercial School. After joining the pros, he played first base and third base position and was a second-round draft pick in 2012 Softbank Hawks. 178 cm, 88 kg. Pitches right-handed and bats right-handed. Estimated annual salary: 3.6 million yen. Family includes parents and older brother.