On the 7th, the members of Samurai Japan who will participate in the 'Luxas Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026' (November 12-15, Tokyo Dome) were announced, and Rakuten Eagles pitcher Ryu Kutani was selected.

Kutani is a right-handed pitcher who joined from Oji as a sixth-round draft pick in 2025. From the middle of this season onward, he played an active role as part of the winning relief pattern, recording 2 wins, 1 loss, 16 holds, and an ERA of 1.94 across 39 games.

His appeal lies in his high strike out ability, having recorded 44 struck out batters over 41 2/3 innings using breaking balls such as the change-up as his weapons. His control is also stable.

Until 2024, he had a career playing for the club team Yabaton Boosters while working as a floor staff member at the famous miso katsu restaurant Yabaton. The 26-year-old old rookie will now demonstrate his abilities as a member of Samurai Japan.