Hiroto Fukumori (30), a teammate from Orix Buffaloes Tomoya Mori catcher (30) and Osaka Toin baseball and a Stage 4 Rare Cancer fighter, threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Orix Buffaloes to Hanshin Tigers match (Kyocera D) on the 12th. Following the thrilling The Giants match on June 15 last year, Kyocera D delivered a spectacular no-bounce pitch. The two, who regularly draw strength from each other and share a special bond of trust, exchanged cheers on the 13th. (Interview & Composition = Shunta Nanbu, Toru Osada)

Fukumori savored the joy of being alive. "I'm living a good life, a wonderful life." Wearing the uniform with Moritomo's number "4," he stood on mound at Kyocera Dome for the second year in a row. Next to the first base dugout, his close friend, who is currently sidelined due to an upper body injury, watched over him with a gentle gaze. He threw a pitch filled with gratitude. It landed in Wakatsuki's mitt without bounce.

In 2013, during his third year at Osaka Toin High School, he played in Koshien in both the spring and summer as outfielder. After graduating from Ritsumeikan University, he got a job at a house builder. However, in 2021, he was diagnosed with two rare cancers. He was told that his five-year survival rate was less than 10%. The cancer progressed to stage 4, and he underwent his fourth surgery in March of this year. "I have to live positively!" Moritomo was one of the people who encouraged and cheered him up when he was on the brink of despair.

"Tomoya Mori 's very existence is my energy." Seeing each other's social media posts and news updates gave them the strength to move forward. It was the same for Moritomo. "Even though it must be incredibly tough, Hiroto never looks like he's suffering. I think it's truly amazing that he always acts so cheerful," Fukumori said, expressing his admiration for Hiroto's mental strength.

Moritomo smiled and continued in gentle words. "If Hiroto is healthy, I'll be healthy too. If I'm healthy, Hiroto will be healthy too. That's 'probably' though... (laughs) It's really a give and take." Their current goal is to take the year-end trip that used to be a regular event. "So, I'd be in trouble if he wasn't always healthy," he urged.

Fukumori is committed to eliminating additives from his diet. His staple food is partially polished brown rice, which is highly nutritious, and his main menu consists of two side dishes centered around organic vegetables and root vegetables such as radishes and carrots. Everything is homemade by his wife, Seira. Moritomo also improved his diet after last year, when he only played in 50 games, saying, "I hate getting injured the most." He added, "I think my taste is much better than Taisho's, and once I started eating brown rice, I found it really delicious..." They even found some common ground.

There are times when he feels like giving up. There are times when he feels like his spirit is about to break. But the reason Mr. Fukumori is still smiling is because he has come to a realization: "I can't live alone." His beloved wife and family, and his friends including Moritomo. On the 27th of this month, his first child, a baby boy, is due to be born.

"Our biggest dream is for our whole family to be able to see Tomoya fighting hard for as long as possible. Just watching him do well brings tears to my eyes and gives me inspiration." The most important message she wants to convey to others who are battling illness is to "never give up." "I believe that if you live with hope, things will definitely get better. In the end, you will win!" A deep bond is forged between the two of them. They continue to walk straight ahead, with unwavering determination.

◆Hiroto Fukumori: Born July 29, 1995, in Osaka City. Age 30. He started playing baseball in the third grade of elementary school and played for Osaka Miyakojima Boys during junior high school. In 2013, during his third year at Osaka Toin High School, he played as outfielder and participated in Koshien in both the spring and summer, reaching the round of 16 both times. In the summer tournament, he hit walk-off in the second round against Hikawa (Yamanashi). Koshien record is 9 At Bat in 19 hit 3 RBI. After graduating from Ritsumeikan University, he joined a house builder, but in 2021 he was diagnosed with two rare cancers. In 2024, metastasis to multiple locations was found, and he spends his days battling the disease with the aim of achieving complete remission. Right-handed pitcher and right-handed batter.

◇Rare Cancers: A general term for malignant tumors with a low incidence rate compared to other cancers, with fewer than 6 cases per 100,000 people. This category includes approximately 200 types of malignant tumors, such as "gastrointestinal stromal tumors" and "paragangliomas" that originate from paraganglia in the chest and other areas. A major challenge is the lack of established treatment methods due to the low incidence of each type.

◆ Hiroto Fukumori's 2025 First Pitch VTR On June 15, he pitched the ceremonial first pitch at the The Giants game (Kyocera D). With his parents, wife Seiran, and senior from Osaka Toin Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Minoru Iwata watching, he made a no-bounce pitch on the mitt of catcher Moritomo 18.44 meters away. Inspired by the passion, Moritomo hit a go-ahead single to right in the fifth inning with the score tied. On the podium, he tearfully encouraged them, saying, "Do your best not to lose."