WBC Japan's Orix Buffaloes ・ Kenya Wakatsuki catcher (30) vowed on March 5 to "set up" the top batting lineup in the main tournament in March. In addition to his high defense ability to make use of his strong shoulders, he is also expected to be a strong competitor who hit three walk-off times in a season in 25 years. "I don't want to hit only double play (double play hit) (laughs). (Laughs.) Because she's going to be in the first position, right?　If I hit something like double play...," she jokingly said, thinking of Otani (Dodgers), who is a year older than her.

What lies behind these words is the mindset he has taken to valuing at the plate since last season. "Even if I pull the ball, it's fine as long as it doesn't become a grounder. If I pull the ball, it's a fly, and if it goes the other way, it's line drive or a grounder..." He has no intention of wavering even in front of Ohtani. That day was the first live BP (batting practice in a real game format) of the Miyazaki camp, and he hit line drive like hit to left field off third-year left-hander Higashimatsu. He is also scheduled to play in the Red-White game on the 8th, and he told himself, "I'm glad I'm able to pull the fastball. No matter what batting order I'm in, I'll just hit according to the situation, as I always do."

On the 4th, Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox), who played with him at Orix Buffaloes until 2022, was also selected for the national team. "It's really encouraging to have Masataka here. I'm happy we can wear the uniform together again," he said, drawing encouragement from his teammate and becoming the standard-bearer for consecutive world championships. (Nambu Shunta)