Softbank Hawks infielder Hotaka Yamakawa revealed on the 6th that his diet is going well. He spent about two hours training at Mizuho PayPay. "Right now, I'm at 107kg. I'm only three kilos away from my goal," he said with a smile. During the 2013 season, he hovered around 114kg, but has now decided to go on a diet for the new season. His goal is set at 104kg, below the 105kg he had with Seibu Lions. At the time of his contract renewal on December 3rd, he announced he would weigh 110kg, and has lost three kilos in about a month.

"I've been able to train properly. My body is lighter so I can run. My Achilles tendon (which I injured last year) is feeling better, and I've lost weight, so that's a good thing. I can wake up easily in the morning," he said, talking about the effects of the diet.