On the 5th, Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes infielder Kotaro Kobayashi (24) gave his stamp of approval to Miyagi, a member of the Japan WBC team. The left-handed pitcher is from the same year and joined the team in the same 2019 draft, and they have both grown into key players. Ahead of Japan's first game against Taiwan on the 6th (Tokyo Dome), Kurebayashi said with confidence, "He'll be fine. I'm sure he'll be able to closer."

They met again at a training match (Kyocera Dome) on the 2nd. "We have to work hard too," Miyagi said to him. He was saying this because he was aiming to become the world champion again with the likes of Otani and Yamamoto, whom he respects, and was living an exciting life every day. "He was so confident (laughs)," he said, imagining Miyagi throwing a powerful pitch.

"He looked so happy, so I'm a bit jealous," said his friend, who is taking on the big stage and is scheduled to take over for Yamamoto in the game against Taiwan, where Yamamoto will be starting. "I hope he does his best, and I'll be cheering him on," he said, sending his encouragement. His own job is to make the shortstop position solid. They will fight together with passionate feelings. (Osada Toru)