Softbank Hawks infielder Hotaka Yamakawa made a "no bat gripping" declaration on the 30th. In Game 2 of the Japan Series (Yokohama), he contributed to the consecutive championship by hitting a game-tying out-of-the-park home run with one out in the 9th inning. The slugger, who will enter the final year of his four-year contract next season, will embark on a new trial this off-season.

Originally known as a practice fanatic who said, 'No matter which country I go to or what kind of place I'm in, I've never gone more than two days without holding a bat.' However, since the end of this season, he has been seeking further evolution, such as starting weight training for the first time since turning professional.

One place he chose for learning was from sports trainer Hisaji Kounoe. He is a body specialist who advocates the 'Kounoe Theory,' which states that the human body is divided into two types: the 'arm-type' with a stooped back and the 'leg-type' with a swayed back. In the past, he has also coached Toshiaki Imae and Michihiro Ogasawara (Rakuten Eagles batting coach). He intends to absorb these ideas and apply them to his own body, thinking, 'He is someone with a proven track record. I will get advice from a body expert and then organize it myself.' He decided, 'I will make full use of everything once. It might be better not to touch the bat until I have put it all together.'

I intend to organize my thoughts by keeping a daily record. Over the course of about a month, I will clarify things and build a foundation, believing that if I don't first sort out what works well for me, I won't improve even if I pick up a bat at this stage.

This season, he appeared in 58 games with a .178 batting average and 11 Home Runs. Although he ended up yielding his regular position at first base to Masaki, he has already begun moving toward a comeback. 'I am looking ahead to next year right now. I didn't leave behind the kind of results that would allow me to bask in any lingering memories,' he said. His track record of winning the Home Run title four times, including his clutch hitting in critical moments, is the real deal. The slugger, who turns 35 in November, is stepping into new territory.