Samurai Japan's Softbank Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto took part in a special batting practice session at lunch on the first day of the spring training camp in Miyazaki on the 1st.

Since he was paired with Yanagimachi, who is known for his hitting ability, it was not an "arch show." "In normal years, Yanagida, Kondo, and Yamakawa would have been there and we would have gotten a bigger round of applause (from the fans). But Yanagimachi and I were a little weak. I wish we could have gotten more (into the stands) and made a huge impact. Three home runs? I thought that was enough halfway through. I wanted to hit it into the back screen, but it was impossible," he said with a wry smile.