Softbank Hawks 's CBO Kenji Jojima said that Ukyo Shuto 's speed, which has been selected for the Japanese national team for two consecutive starting line-up tournaments, "is a weapon for Japan." He also said that "he has enough," and that he believes that he has the ability to start in center fielder.

Thanks to advice from CBO Johjima, Shuto's hitting improved, and he signed a massive five-year, 2 billion yen contract in the offseason. Johjima jokingly said, "I think you can call it an achievement," but admitted that he actually wanted to see Shuto try out for the majors. "The major leagues are all about power right now, aren't they? I keep saying this, but when there's a power game, the next thing that happens is a team playing small ball. I was kind of hoping that his speed could add some excitement to the current power game," he said, speaking from the perspective of the only Japanese catcher to have played in the major leagues.