Softbank Hawks Yuto Akihiro infielder Akihiro (23) showed his improved form on the 2nd with a "500-swing batting practice." On the second day of the Miyazaki training camp, in addition to arriving early and staying late, he took extra practice swings against a pitching machine in the indoor practice facility. Having joined the team in a trade from The Giants last May, he showed a grim determination for his first camp with Softbank Hawks, saying, "I have to work so hard that I get injured. I haven't been good enough until now."

This offseason, he underwent a "major overhaul" and changed his batting technique from shuffling his feet to lifting his right leg in order to smoothly transfer his weight. He also received advice from The Giants Sakamoto and Yamakawa, with whom he trained during the offseason, and swung with the "image of launching the ball over the back screen." He hit a series of home runs to center field, and manager Kokubo praised him, saying, "The biggest change (since last year) is Akihiro. His stance has become wider, which allows him to create more distance (between the bat and the ball), and his batted ball speed and distance have increased."

Although Akihiro analyzes himself as "not home run hitter," he also says, "I don't have defense or single hit, so I can't just rely on single hit." He will use his 200cm height to his advantage and continue on the path he believes in. (Moriguchi Noboru)