Hiroto Fukumori, a graduate of Osaka Toin High School's baseball team who is battling a rare form of cancer, has returned to the mound at Kyocera Dome after a year's absence. He appeared in good spirits at the game against Hanshin Tigers Tigers on June 12, sponsored by the real estate company "SENSE TRUST" (Osaka City, President Yasuhito Imanaka), and delivered a no-bounce pitch.

“I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Imanaka, who made this opportunity possible, as well as to everyone associated with the team. I’ve always lived my life knowing that this isn’t something to be taken for granted, so I’m truly filled with gratitude.” After throwing the first pitch for the second consecutive year, Ms. Fukumori began her remarks by expressing her gratitude to those involved.
Fukumori was a key player on the team that advanced to the Koshien in both the spring and summer of 2013. In the second round of the 2013 summer tournament Koshien against Hikawa High School (Yamanashi), with the score tied 3-3 extra inning in the 10th inning with one out and runners on first and third walk-off, he delivered a clutch hit outfielder, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.Shintaro Fujinami pitcher (DeNA) is one year his senior, and his classmate is Tomoya Mori from Orix Buffaloes. About five years ago, after graduating from college and working for a major homebuilder, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer said to affect one in 100,000 people, and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments with the goal of a complete recovery.

The idea for Fukumori to throw the ceremonial first pitch came about when President Imanaka, upon learning of Fukumori's illness, suggested he do so at The Giants game on June 15th last year, which was sponsored by the company. President Imanaka, who lost his father to cancer during his high school years, also wanted to spread awareness of the importance of health and cancer. On the day of the ceremony, with Mori playing catch with Fukumori, he threw the ball with all his might towards Mori's mitt. In that game, Mori hit the go-ahead RBI single, contributing to win, and in his post-game interview, he choked up as he offered encouragement, saying, "We will also do our best to not lose until the end of the season. I hope you will do your best not to lose either, Taisho."

This second event was held as part of the "Sense Owners Day" event, commemorating the "Real Estate Crowdfunding" project that the company launched in July. Although Mori, who has been sidelined due to an upper body injury, did not participate in the catching, he watched pitch from the corner of the field.

"I was surprised because I hadn't heard that he would be coming that day. I hope we can both do our best," said Fukumori. He underwent his fourth surgery in March and is currently on a break from chemotherapy. The crowdfunding campaign to support his treatments not covered by insurance has ended, but support from "The Association to Save Fukumori," which was started by his friends, is continuing.

At the end of June, he and his wife, Seiran, will welcome their first child, a baby boy. "The most important thing is for him to get well. I don't want him to stop pitching after today; I want him to keep pitching for 10 or even 20 years, until he says, 'That's enough,'" said President Imanaka, promising continued support.

* "Fukumori-san Rescue Association" (https://smde-studio.com/fukumorisan-sukukai/)

Interview and text by Masaki Kitano