◆Pre-season game Softbank Hawks 5-1 Yakult (5th, Mizuho PayPay)

He sent a low-trajectory line drive slamming into the right-field foul pole. Softbank Hawks Yuto Akihiro infielder Akihiro (23) connected with Yoshimura's slider in the second inning with one out for his second home run of the season, putting him at the top of both leagues. According to "NPB+", the ball speed was measured at 181.9 km/h, a major league class speed. "I'm able to put into practice at the plate what I've been working on since my off-season training and spring training," said the slugger, in his second year with the team after transferring from The Giants, with pride.

In the send-off game against Samurai Japan on February 23rd (at Sun Marine Stadium), he hit a three-run homer over the right field fence, bringing his total to three Home Run in exhibition games this spring. In the four open games, he has a batting average of .500 with 4 At Bat 8 hit. Not only is he swinging hard, but he has also shown good judgment in judging balls, drawing three Walk.

After the 2010 season ended, he became a disciple of Yamakawa, a four-time Home Run king. In order to effectively use his weight shift to increase distance, he changed his form to raise his right foot. In January, he also participated in the Okinawa voluntary training of his former teammate, Sakamoto, and swung the bat. Manager Kokubo also smiled at his growth, saying, "It was the moment he hit the ball. It was good to watch the batting practice at camp, but the speed of the ball is completely different from last year."

With Yamakawa, Yanagida, Akira Nakamura and others waiting to play at first base and in outfield, which Akihiro will play at, the depth of the team's player pool is one of the best among the 12 teams. He still needs to make a strong showing in order to reach his goal of making the opening day first team. "Even during my time with The Giants, I experienced not being able to hit as the opening day approached. I want to keep working hard so I can continue," he said, looking ahead. He doesn't want to end 2026 with just a "premonition of an awakening." (Shimao Koichiro)