As practice games and exhibition games begin in the latter half of February, anticipation for the start of the season is building. For Pacific League fans who can't wait for the season to begin, Pacific League Insight introduces players to watch for the 2026 season. This time, we're featuring pitcher Tokito Kawamura Chiba Lotte Marines.

Tokito Kawamura

He joined Chiba Lotte Marines in 2020 as the 4th pick in the draft from Seisa Doto University. This tall right-handed pitcher is in his sixth professional season.

In his first year, he appeared in 20 games for the first team, making 5 starts and recording a 4-1 record with a 3.46 ERA over 41.2 inning, a respectable performance. He entered his second year with high expectations, but failed to make the opening day roster for the first team. He made his debut in May, appearing in 4 games, but was removed from the roster on May 29th. After that, he continued to pitch in the minor leagues, but underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-September, ending his 2023 season without appearing in regular season.

In 2024, he pitched 45.2 innings in 20 games for the minor leagues, going 2-2 with a 4.53 ERA. He was registered as a controlled player on July 31, but did not return to the major leagues. In 2025, he pitched 78 innings in 15 games for the minor leagues, going 2-2 with a 2.27 ERA, and made his first appearance on the major league on August 14. In his second appearance on the mound on September 8, he gave up one runs in five innings, earning his first win in three years.

In his final appearance of the season on September 22nd against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, he pitched 108 pitches in 7 innings, allowing only 2 hit and no runs. He earned a win at his hometown ES CON FIELD in Hokkaido. He ended up with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss in 21 innings in 4 games, ERA of 2.57. Given his success in his first year back in the first team, he is expected to be a key starter this season.