On the 4th, Samurai Japan infielder Rui Muneyama, who will participate in the 'Luxas Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026' (November 12-15 at Tokyo Dome), showed his determination to walk the path toward becoming the regular short stop.

From the first day of the Miyazaki training camp, he practiced defense such as fielding drills for two consecutive days, playing shortstop by himself.

Since I have only played short stop since entering the pros, I naturally have a strong attachment to that position. Being able to play there even for the national team is what makes me happiest, and I believe I must become a player who continues to fulfill that role.

He named Sakamoto of The Giants and Genda of the Seibu Lions as the national team short stops he had admired since before turning professional.

I believe the short stop position is a special one, and while I know there is a legacy passed down by my predecessors, I want to focus on what I can do while bringing out my own unique strengths.

Manager Iguchi, who was known as a master of defense, highly praised Muneyama's defense after the first day of practice, saying, 'He is nimble. He has a sense of stability, and I want him and Shoji (at second base) to lead Samurai Japan together.' The manager has high expectations with next year's Premier 12 in mind. Muneyama himself is prepared to fight through future tournaments as the regular shortstop.

Although there are age restrictions this time, one of the things I have envisioned for myself is to be active as the short stop for the top team. I will fight with all my might this time as well, and I hope to absorb many different things along the way.

There are many rivals who are not part of the current tournament roster, such as Orix Buffaloes' Kurebayashi, Nippon-Ham's Mizuno, and Chunichi's Muramatsu, but he has no intention of backing down.