"I learned a lot."
Yamamoto Daito Yamamoto of the Lotte Marines, a member of the Samurai Japan support team, reflected on the "LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2026 Nagoya Samurai Japan vs Chunichi Dragons" as follows:
Yamamoto was selected as a support member in place of Misho Nishikawa (Lotte), who had withdrawn due to a right forearm flexor muscle injury. "I wasn't that nervous," he said, making his debut for Samurai Japan in the first game on the 27th, coming on as defense in the 6th inning with the score 4-0.
With the score at 4-2 in the seventh inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, Samurai Japan came up to bat for the first time. Matsukidaira Yuta hit a 129 km/ change-up on the third pitch after a 1-ball, 1-strike, to the left field, allowing second base runner Yuasa Dai (The Giants) to score. Samurai Japan's first hit also came with RBI.
In the second game, he started again from the bench and entered the game in the 2-2 4th inning from defense left. 5-3 in the 5th inning, with one out bases loaded in the first at bat, Mizuki Miura caught the third 133 km change-up pitch thrown from 1 ball 1 strike and hit a two-run double to beat third base line. It was his second consecutive hit and RBI at bat from the previous day.
In the bottom of the 7th inning with two outs and no runner on strike, Mao Ito came up to bat for the second time. On the seventh pitch, a 128 km/h slider on the outside corner, she swung struck out. She finished the day with 1 hit 2 At Bat and 2 RBI.
His competitive spirit shone in the scoring zone, but he said, "I wasn't really thinking about it, I was just aiming for home run."
◆ Experiences beyond just matches
Not only did he share his experience in the game, but he also bombarded Suzuki Seiya (Cubs) of Samurai Japan with questions, something he admired. Yamamoto was able to ask Suzuki everything he wanted to know. It was a very fulfilling time for Yamamoto.
"I learned a lot outside of the game, so I'm trying to imitate that. Of course I learned a lot from the striking aspect, but I also heard about the preparation aspect, so I'd like to put that to good use."
Although he was a support member this time, he said, "I felt the desire to play as a member of Samurai Japan," and of course, his desire to fight in the Japanese flag uniform as a member of the Japanese national team has grown stronger.
When his activities as a Samurai Japan support member come to an end and he returns to Lotte, competition awaits him.
"It was a great experience, so I'll work hard to incorporate it into my own life and do my best to stand out in some way."
After establishing himself as a regular player for The Marines, the Japanese national team awaits him. "First, I need to produce results in the season." He will not be a support member, but a member of Samurai Japan, wearing the Japan uniform.
Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita
