I learned many things.

Lotte's Toshiya Sato is grateful for the teachings from Yuki Karakawa.

Sato joined the team as the second-round draft pick in 2019 as a "hitting catcher." From his first year, he seized opportunities to play using his innate batting skills as a weapon. "We have been doing independent training together, and he gave me advice on things like how to conduct myself in the bullpen. During my first and second years, I talked with him about how to spend time in the bullpen, how the pitcher perceives me when I go to catch for them, and how to become a trusted catcher, including my overall presence."

"I am grateful to Yuki (Karakawa)-san for teaching me the basics, and for giving me the opportunity to talk about things like pitch distribution and the pitcher's condition—whether things were good or bad, or how they were on a particular day—not just with him, but while working together with others as well."

Sato recorded a league-leading .361 caught stealing percentage in 2022, and after increasing his appearances as a catcher from that year onward, he recorded a .278 batting average in 2024, ranking 4th in the league as a "hitting catcher." Appearing in 116 games with a .278 average, 5 Home Runs, and 45 RBI, he secured a regular spot and represented Japan in the "RAXUS presents 3rd WBSC Premier12" held after the season. While 2025 ended as a disappointing season due to injuries, he has hit 17 Home Runs so far this season as the starting catcher, and defensively, his caught stolen base percentage stands at .304.

He has grown into a core player and has become an indispensable presence for The Marines in both offense and defense. Sato said, "I feel I have been able to grow because they have kept an eye on me since my first year, so I am very grateful." From now on, keeping what he learned from Karakawa in his heart, he is sure to be active in both offense and defense for the team's win.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita