Lotte's Ryusei Ogawa 's error-free record has now exceeded one year.

Ogawa has been error-free since his last error on July 19th against Orix Buffaloes last year, when he played in the field, on July 20th against Orix Buffaloes. Last year, he finished with 41 consecutive error-free games in which he played defense since the July 20th game against Orix Buffaloes, and this season he has also been error-free in 83 consecutive games in which he played in defense since the start of the season. His total error-free streak since last year is 124 games. Although unofficial, he has also played in the defense in 21 practice games and exhibition games this year, and has been error-free in all of them. He has not made a single mistake for a full year. Furthermore, at second baseman, he has been error-free for 106 games since his last error on June 24th against The Giants, when he played in the field, on June 27th against Softbank Hawks.

Regarding his error-free year, Ogawa prefaced his remarks by saying, "I think it's good that I haven't made any errors," but then added, "There were times when I couldn't catch the ball for the out even though I could reach it, and I'm not doing everything perfectly, so I think I need to improve my level even more." He expressed regret over the balls he couldn't get the out on and vowed to further improve defense skills.

When asked about the reason why he has been able to perform without making any mistakes, Ogawa said, "I have been communicating with Matsuyama-san and Nemoto-san since the training camp. I think things are going in a really good direction. Most importantly, I am conscious of doing things carefully, and I think that is leading to good results."

This year, after the team practice at spring training, he said, "I'm preparing thoroughly for both positions so that I can play either," and just like at last year's spring training in Ishigaki Island, he took short stop balls at second baseman and second base. He has been honing defense since his rookie year.

He has received guidance from various coaches since turning pro, and says, "The way you use your feet is all about feel, so there may be differences in how you feel, but ultimately, the fact that you use your feet to defense remains the same. I think that's something they all have in common." He has been taught the importance of "using your feet" in a consistent way.

Ogawa's remarkable achievement is evident in his June 6 game against The Giants, where he catch a batted ball near the second base of leadoff Izuguchi in the first inning with a 0-0 lead single, then went out with a jumping throw to first base. On June 23, in Game Nippon-Ham, in the Kengo Yoshida fourth inning with a 0-3 leadoff hit, he dived to catch a ball between first and second and throw to first base, boasting a wide defense without committing a mistake.

"That's right. It's not just about the record; there were some hits that I could have made outs, and even though they were recorded as hits, there were several that I could have made outs. I feel more regret about not being able to make those outs. I want to keep working on that going forward."

Sometimes he positions grounders that might go through right field to get out. In the open game against Hanshin Tigers on March 17, with two outs and a runner on first in the third inning, Teruaki Sato was defending a grounder to right field in advance with Teruaki Sato behind him in front of right field, second baseman Ogawa catch and throw to first base, resulting in an out. Regarding this defense, Ogawa explained, "I value the batting pitch tendency, the feeling when the ground stands, and what I feel. I felt that positioning there was probably the best way, so I'm glad I went as I thought."

Ogawa has also been selected by fan vote for Pacific League second baseman position in the "Mynavi All-Star Game 2026," which will be held on July 28th and 29th, giving him an opportunity to showcase defense skills to baseball fans from all 12 teams. However, with the second half of the season approaching without a break, many fans are likely concerned about his physical condition.

There's no need to worry. In an interview on June 26th, as summer approaches, she said, "I'm taking alternating hot and cold baths, doing stretches and taking care of myself, and also, since I won't be able to eat as much, I'm going to eat in small portions and carefully consider what I eat—things that are easy to eat, refreshing foods, and easy to digest—so that I don't lose weight." She has been preparing to get through the hot summer.

"My goal was to play consistently for the entire year, so saying that fatigue accumulates because I'm playing continuously is just an excuse. I want to improve my level so that I can produce results despite that." We hope he continues his error-free streak and delivers his best performance both offensively and defensively throughout the year. If he does that, the Golden Glove Award will be within his reach.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita