Kansai TV announcer Wakako Hashimoto has sent a "natural" message for Orix Buffaloes-Lotte three-game series (Kyocera Dome) starting on the 24th, which will include Orix-Hihime Day. Since joining the company in 2021, she has covered many games, and on June 29, 2025, she became the first female announcer in the company's 68-year history to provide live commentary for a professional baseball game against Rakuten Eagles (Kyocera Dome). The popular announcer, who is becoming the "face" of female commentators, has made suggestions on the Orix-Hihime voting, the appeal of the players, and even the theme for next year.

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This year's theme is "natural." It's very natural. I was touched by how straightforward it was and it really appealed to my feminine side. Visually, they were all dressed sharply in white-based outfits, creating a look that could easily be in a magazine. I was particularly drawn to newcomer pitcher Sho Iwasaki. At 36 years old, he was the only one wearing a white shirt with the chest unbuttoned. He exuded a charm that comes from having lived longer than the other players. I was really charmed by his naturalness, which I think is something that only someone his age can have.

Since I started taking over the sports segment in 2022, I've been looking forward to the voting results every year. If I were to suggest a theme for next year from a woman's perspective, from my own perspective, what would it be? Hmm, that's difficult... How about "Pet-Loving Men"? pitcher, pitcher, and pitcher all have a dog-loving image, and Nakagawa donates to dog rescue organizations. I think pitcher Hirano keeps a turtle, right? (laughs)

I also had a toy poodle for 16 years, starting when I was in second grade of elementary school. He was a boy, and his name was "Coco." I loved him very much. When athletes are with their pets, they tend to use baby talk, and they'll show ways of smiling and their eyes that they don't normally show. I think that's when they'll be their most natural selves. I'd be so happy if this was chosen. It might be difficult to film, though...

Last year at "Orihime Day," I was able to fulfill my long-held dream of making my debut as a baseball commentator. I've developed the habit of checking the daily game results, and my commute has changed to watching the previous day's game footage and listening to the commentary. As The Buffaloes become more familiar to me, my desire to provide more information that fans and Orihime want to know has grown stronger. My goal is to hone my skills as a commentator and make people think, "She's a woman, but she's not so bad!" I will continue to work hard to become a leading figure in bridging the gap between the team and the fans!

◆Wakako Hashimoto: Born November 19, 1998, in Hyogo Prefecture. Age 27. During her student years, she belonged to the baton twirling club and other activities. In 2021, she joined Kansai Telecasting Corporation (KTV) after graduating from Kobe University. On June 29, 2025, she became the company's first female professional baseball commentator for Orix Buffaloes-Rakuten Eagles game (Kyocera Dome), and has commentated on a total of four games. She currently works on programs such as "Shunkan LIVE Toretate!" and "Uramayo!".