The manager-selected players for the "Mynavi All-Star Game 2026" (June 28th at Tokyo Dome, June 29th in Toyama) were announced on June 13th, and Rakuten Eagles Eagles outfielder Ryosuke Tatsumi was among those selected.

He has been confirmed to participate for the second time since 2024. "I'm incredibly happy. It's a place where top-class professional players gather, so I want to show what it means to be a professional and play like one," he said excitedly.

He will be able to face pitcher he doesn't usually get to play against. "I think any pitcher who comes will be a great pitcher, so if possible I'd like to face all of them, but I'm looking forward to enjoying the matchup with pitcher in front of me," he said, looking forward to it.

His flamboyant costumes and other performance elements outside of playing have also garnered attention. "This year I'm going to be serious. Well, actually I'm always serious, but I want to focus on playing baseball properly," he said, hinting at a "sealing" of his usual style.

Two years ago, when he was selected, the player wearing number 8 expressed his eagerness to pitch. "I'm ready to pitch. It's not something I can decide, but if I'm told to pitch, I'm ready to pitch," he said with a defiant smile. When asked which hitter he would like to face as pitcher, he named Hanshin Tigers 's Morishita and Sato.

While enjoying himself, Tatsumi is also determined to win. "I want to do my best to dominate Central League. We will definitely win," he declared confidently.