The 13th edition of "Samurai Talks" features Nippon-Ham Koki Kitayama pitcher (26), who is making his first WBC appearance. ERA He was drafted 8th overall in the 2009 draft and has been a "rising Samurai" since then, and he talks about his thoughts on the big stage. He also revealed a request that only a highly ambitious right fielder can make. (Reporting by Haruki Kawakami)

On his first big stage, the strong arm from the North spoke of his extraordinary determination to carry the Japanese flag.

"Before the game, the national anthem is sung, and at that moment, I really feel that it is thanks to all the people who have worked so hard for Japan that we are able to baseball in such peace. I want to do my best to energize the people who support us."

He had been making thorough preparations even before the team members were announced. Since the end of last season in October, he had not held an NPB ball once in order to adapt to the WBC ball.

"It's a tournament I've watched on TV since I was little, and I've been preparing so that I can take to mound with pride. I've never felt intimidated or guilty. I want to put everything I've learned into it."

In the 2021 draft, he was the 76th overall pick out of 77 controlled players, making him the "bottom pick." Last season, his fourth year as a pro, he recorded a career-high nine wins, showing his pride as a "risen samurai."

"At the time, I felt frustrated. I entered the professional world with the desire to rise above the rest, and it's still just the beginning. You never know when your chance will come, but there's no one who has zero chances. I want to continue to make preparations carefully so that I can grab the one or two chances I get."

It was impressive to see him actively receiving instruction from Darvish, who served as his advisor at the Samurai training camp. While headlines such as "Darvish curveball" and "Darvish two-two seam fastball" stand out in his instruction on breaking ball, the right-handed pitcher with an insatiable curiosity has a request for the media.

"I don't really like those kinds of headlines. Of course, I'm grateful for the advice I receive, and I understand how the reporters feel. But it's just my breaking ball. I hope I become a better player, so that if you write 'Koki Kitayama' in any article, people will read it, so until then, please keep the headlines to a minimum (laughs)."

In the 2012 Premier 12, he pitched at full speed both as a starter and reliever, recording one win in four appearances and ERA of 3.86, and was highly praised by manager Ibata.

"I was used in a variety of positions, and I think I was able to show that I can play anywhere. I was very disappointed to finish in second place, so I want to get revenge. The WBC is a tournament on a much larger scale, so I think I'll be able to show more than I've ever had before, and I'll do my best, excited about the new version of myself."

He reached the highest peak he had ever dreamed of and made the name "Koki Kitayama" known to the world.

◆Kitayama Koki: Born April 10, 1999 in Kyoto Prefecture. 26 years old. Played Koshien as the ace pitcher for Kyoto Seisho High School in the summer of his third year. Joined Nippon Nippon-Ham in the 2024 Premier 12. This season's annual salary is estimated at 95 million yen. Standing 182 cm tall and weighing 87 kg, he bats and throws right-handed. Married.