Softbank Hawks infielder Yudai Shoji showed his ambition on the 1st to be known as a 'versatile samurai.' He was selected for the Japan national team for the 'RAXUS Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026' (12th-15th, Tokyo Dome) and will participate in the Miyazaki training camp starting on the 3rd. This season, he secured a regular spot as a shortstop for his team. While Manager Iguchi informed him he would be used for the middle infield, he confidently stated, 'To put it simply, I will even play in the outfield.'

He is eagerly looking forward to wearing the Hinomaru uniform. The 24-year-old, who practiced at the team facility in Chikugo City, Fukuoka on this day, is full of determination, stating, 'There is an age limit (generally 24 and under), but it is not a uniform that everyone gets to wear. I want to focus on what I need to do in the position I am given.' Among the members of the Samurai squad this time are Nippon-Ham's Yamagata and Rakuten Eagles' Muneyama, who are from the same 2002 generation and play the middle infield. Regarding the two, he acknowledges their respective abilities, saying, 'In terms of defense, I think they are better than me. Even looking at professional baseball as a whole, they are in the skilled category.' He intends to gain inspiration and engage in friendly competition with them throughout the training camp and tournament period.

Regarding Yamagata, he highlighted the "speed of his grip transition" as a characteristic. "No matter what posture he catches in, his release is fast. I want to ask him for his secret." As for Muneyama, who plays in the upper batting lineup for the Rakuten Eagles, he is extremely interested in his hitting in particular, saying, "I want to ask him everything."

In the Japan Series against DeNA, he hit timely dobles in two consecutive games starting from Game 1, contributing to the team's consecutive Japan Series titles with four straight wins. He was named MVP in the CS Final Stage against Nippon-Ham and had a fulfilling postseason. Carrying that momentum, he continues to shine in international tournaments.