On the 29th, Nippon-Ham pitcher (32), who was transferred from Hanshin Tigers, participated in an early voluntary training session in Nago, Okinawa, and entered bullpen for the first time since the transfer. He threw 25 straight balls and commented, "At the beginning of the training camp, I only threw straight balls, so I didn't increase the intensity in order to solidify my home base. I don't think it was bad."

During the off-season, he trained independently in the Kansai region. He practiced catch balls every day and made thorough preparations. "This year, the team has changed a bit, so I started preparing earlier than usual. I have the impression that the actual games will start soon, so I feel I need to make a strong impression," he said, as he looks to make his presence known as a member of the Shinjo-Ham Fighters.

The first external game of the season will be against Hanshin Tigers on February 8th. It will be against his former team, and he said, "I've just left Kansai, and it's hard to imagine that the team I've been with for 15 years will be my opponent, but I'm looking forward to it."