Nippon-Ham outfielder Chusei Mannami held a private training session at the team's second-division facility in Kamagaya, Chiba on the 8th. He vowed to contribute to the team's victory with his improved physique and new equipment.

His noticeably larger physique reflected his determination for this season. "Until now, I've focused on training that involves movement, but I decided to re-evaluate my basic strength training. I've incorporated a lot of orthodox training, and I can really feel the results. I feel I've grown especially in my throwing, and I can feel the increased power when I'm playing baseball," he said, expressing his satisfaction.

He will be paying more attention to his equipment than ever before. He has changed the shape of his glove, increasing the strength of the web and replacing it with a new one that gives the impression of not letting the ball escape. He has also lengthened his bat by 0.75 inches (about 1.9 cm) to 34.25 inches (about 87 cm). The weight has also increased from 880 grams to 900-910 grams. "My ultimate goal is to be able to swing a long, heavy bat, so first I'm trying to properly handle a long, heavy bat, and I'm actively practicing things like one-handed (tee) batting," he revealed.

Competition outfielder is intensifying, but he said enthusiastically, "I feel I have to make every effort to impress everyone involved and enter camp on February 1st in a form that will complete the training. I've been able to start practice two or three weeks earlier than usual, so my body feels good even at this stage and I feel I'm improving. I'll be the best version of myself when I enter camp."