Nippon-Ham pitcher Takumi Yamamoto (26) will aim to lose weight by cooking for himself and regain his physical sharpness.

Yamamoto finished the season with 15 appearances and did not pitch after July due to the effects of cleaning surgery on his right elbow joint in June. However, he returned to live action in the Phoenix League in October and completed the fall camp. He stated, 'I was throwing with shorter intervals between pitches, and I was able to get through it without any issues. I think things are progressing smoothly.' With no concerns about his condition, he continued to work out independently at Es Con Field on the 12th, working up a sweat.

This off-season, he is working on 'weight loss.' His weight, which was 80 kg during the season, has dropped to 76 kg. 'I hope to get it down to around 74 or 75,' he says. His goal for next season is to build a body capable of competing for the entire year. Reflecting on the past, he noted, 'Last year, I did the opposite and increased my weight to 84 kg during the off-season, entering the season at 82 kg. I assumed I would lose weight from there, but increasing aerobic exercise to drop the weight made it difficult to manage my time, and I tended to accumulate fatigue more easily.'

Reflecting on this season, he decided on a new challenge, saying, "I think if I start with more sharpness—meaning starting with lower body fat and then gaining weight during the season—I'll be able to pitch in good condition throughout the year." He feels positive about the progress, noting, "Since my weight is lower, I've been able to do plenty of running and I feel more mobile. I think it's a plus."

The source of his weight loss is home cooking. His first child, a daughter, was born in September. 'Since the baby was just born, I have my wife cook only for dinner, but for breakfast and lunch, I cook myself and bring a lunch box so I can keep things consistent,' he said, explaining that he prepares two meals a day during the off-season. 'It's nothing to brag about, but for breakfast, I make some kind of egg dish and eat 150 grams of rice. For lunch, my wife slices 200 grams of chicken breast and freezes them in small portions for me. I just microwave some vegetables, put them in a lunch box, make some rice balls, and bring them along. I think I'm successfully losing body fat.' As he spoke with a smile, it was clear that Yamamoto is making steady progress.