Rakuten Eagles ・ Kenta Maeda pitcher (37), who returned to Japan for the first time in 11 years, practiced pitch at the Kanatake camp for the third time bullpen on June 6, showing off their smooth adjustment in front of owner Hiroshi Mikitani (60), who observed the camp.

He wasn't distracted by the fact that he was pitching in the presence of the Emperor. "When I concentrate on pitching, I can concentrate on my form and things like that..." He focused on catcher 's mitt and threw 31 pitches, including curves and two seam fastball breaking ball. His fastball reached 148 km/h. "I put a lot of power into my throws, so I'm happy that the numbers reflected that. It's a source of reassurance," he said with satisfaction.

Owner Mikitani did not comment, but Manager Miki expressed his full confidence, saying, "I hope he will make sure he is well prepared for the season." As the second training session begins, he has begun practicing against hitter, including live BP (batting practice in a real game setting), but Ken Maeda said, "He's in good condition, and once the date for pitching in the game is decided, we can decide from there." He is heading into the season without any worries.