First-round draft pitcher Jiei Okawa (Meiji University) is embarking on his professional career with the words of wisdom from his athletic parents in mind. On the 5th, he moved into the Yusho Dormitory in Kamagaya, Chiba. His father is a former mixed martial artist, and his mother was a member of the Japanese women's volleyball team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Over the New Year's holiday, he spent time at his parents' home in Kanagawa, where he was given a lecture on the rules of professional baseball. "Both my parents were athletes, so we basically talk about sports," he said. "They both competed professionally, so I've been able to hear their thoughts as professionals and talk about their time back then, and I want to use that as a reference for my mindset. What really struck me was the difference between amateurs and professionals. Doing things the same way as before won't work. I want to be more conscious than ever, and be more careful with how I'm perceived and with each of my actions, and I want to be more aware of my responsibilities."
The right-handed pitcher, who has a top speed of 155 km/h, is a big fan of Char Aznable from the anime Mobile Suit Gundam. He moved into the dormitory with a Unicorn Gundam plastic model that was a gift from a junior colleague. "Honestly, I don't have a vision of making it. I'll just display it first," he said with a smile.
The right-handed pitcher, who has high hopes from manager Shinjo, vowed, "My first goal is to start the season on the first team, and then my goal for this year is to play hard in the first team for the entire year."
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