Nippon-Ham pitcher Kota Yazawa (25) announced on the 27th that he wants to shed his speedy image and aim for double-digit Home Run and 30 stolen base, a feat not achieved by a player since Haruki Nishikawa (10 home runs, 44 stolen base) in 2018. Last season, he started as the leadoff hitter but a left knee injury limited him to 86 games, resulting in a batting average of .247, 1 Home Run, and 11 stolen base. In the latter half of the season, he mainly came in as a pinch runner and was unable to secure a regular starting position. "When people first say 'he's fast,' I think they're a pretty mediocre player. Players who only have speed get called fast. I want to avoid that, so I'll focus on hitting first. I really want to hit double-digit home run. And 30 stolen base," he said, setting his sights on the numbers not seen since Nishikawa, who is returning to his former team this season.

In the latter half of last season, he received a power-hitting instruction from his manager, who told him, "You don't need to aim for single hit before the point of contact," and he continued to receive this instruction even after the season ended. During last season's autumn training camp, he hit a series of massive home runs into the second deck of the right field stands at Escon Stadium during batting practice, showing such improvement that he was personally praised by team executives. "I had a really good feeling about it. There was no wasted force, and it felt like I was hitting the ball as part of my movement. I was a little surprised that people watching could see it too," he said, expressing his satisfaction.

Starting on the 24th, she will be taking part in an early voluntary training session in Nago, Okinawa. For her fourth year at the camp, she brought a new extra-large yoga mat, about 3 tatami mats in size. "I put a mattress in the space next to my bed, put a switch pole and care products there, and made it my own room," she said, making some small improvements to her lodgings. She plans to create an environment where she can always stretch, and also raise awareness of injury prevention.

His ultimate goal this season is to inherit number from Manager Shinjo. "number 1 is really cool, isn't it? I'd like to see myself wearing it." The one and only 2022 first draft pick will also show his difference at the plate.