On the 1st, Nippon-Ham infielder Shu Yamagata finished his fall camp at Es Con Field early to participate in the Samurai Japan training camp starting on the 3rd in Miyazaki. The 24-year-old, who boasts high-level defense at second base, third base, and shortstop, spoke about his determination to represent the national team: 'It is a mix of feeling happy, feeling fired up to get going, and a bit of fear. I think what is expected of me is not how much I can hit, but how many outs I can get on balls hit my way. I hope to approach this without misunderstanding my own strengths.'

In his second season this year, he played 61 games with a batting average of .227. He is showing growth as his hitting becomes more powerful year by year. When asked about players on the Samurai Japan roster he is interested in, he mentioned Masaki of the Softbank Hawks, saying, 'His approach to batting and such. I heard he practices a lot, so I want to see what kind of practice he does.' He intends to directly interview his senior, a fellow right-handed hitter and slugger who hit 28 Home Runs this season, to gain insights from him.

Before practice, he greeted the team in a huddle. He got a laugh with a joke, saying, 'Many players on the South Korean national team have beautiful skin, so I'm going to ask them for their secrets to getting clear skin. I want to achieve that fair-skinned look.' The defense specialist of Shinjo's Fighters is making his presence felt among the elite Samurai Japan squad.

Shu Yamagata. Born May 1, 2002, in Tokyo. 24 years old. Played for Kokubunji Little and Inagi Little Senior, then attended Waseda University Senior High School before entering Waseda University. He is the second professional baseball player from the prestigious Waseda University Senior High School in 66 years, following former Chunichi player Toru Mori. At Waseda University, he was named to the Best Nine in the spring of his fourth year and represented the Japan national university team. His special skill is playing the piano. 176 cm, 82 kg. Right-handed pitcher and right-handed batter.