Softbank Hawks pitcher Haru Matsumoto held a voluntary training session at the farm facility in Chikugo, Fukuoka on the 8th. Practice began at 6:30 AM and ended at 11 AM. Last year, he trained under Arihara, learning the habit of "coming in early and leaving early," a habit he continues to practice this year through solo training. "Starting at 9 AM and finishing at 3 PM is the same time. Getting home early gives me more time for myself. I'd rather get home around 1 AM and pursue my hobbies. I can take a nap, or go outside to refresh myself. I'm going to make fried rice now," he said with a smile as he left the stadium. The 24-year-old left-hander resists the temptation to stay up late, going to bed at 10 PM and waking up at 5 AM.

In the 2013 season, he pitched in 29 games, including 15 starts, with a record of 6 wins and 6 losses and ERA of 2.76. Arihara, who pitched the most inning on the team with 175, has been transferred to Nippon-Ham, creating a great opportunity for young players such Haru Matsumoto. "I'm looking forward to going up against my mentor," he said with shining eyes.