Former Orix Buffaloes Shuhei Fukuda (33), who retired from professional baseball at the end of last season, held an event called "New Onion Harvesting & Helping Out at 'Shuhei Farm'" on the 24th at "Awaji Nature Lab & Resort" in Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture.

New onions are a specialty of Awaji Island. This was a rare opportunity to work in the same field as Mr. Fukuda and experience farming, so a total of 40 people, selected by lottery, participated in two sessions that day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

At the "Lunch & Talk Show," she delighted fans with an enjoyable conversation with freelance announcer Daiki Tanaka.

Among the various events, the "Challenge to Pack 1kg of New Onions from Awaji Nature Farm" was a huge success. Although no one achieved the exact target weight, a parent and child came close, with 990g and 1010g respectively, earning them a signed bat and batting gloves from Mr. Fukuda, which brought smiles to the faces of the participants.

This spring, with support from Pasona Agricultural Support Team, Mr. Fukuda started farming under the name "Suhei Farm" within "Awaji Nature Lab & Resort." He plans to continue promoting the charms of Awaji Island to a wider audience together with his fans.