Seibu Lions Haruma Fukuo, now in its second year of development ( ), revealed on the 10th that it has set “ ” as the theme for its third-team summer training camp in Bibai, Hokkaido—marking the team’s second consecutive year participating in the camp. infielder defense

right-handed pitcher left-handed hitter infielder, he joined Seibu Lions as the sixth pick in the developmental draft from Gakuhou Ishikawa High School in Fukushima Prefecture. In his second year as a professional this season, he has steadily improved, appearing in two exhibition games for the first team, and has played in 30 games in the farm league, recording a batting average of .291, 23 hit, 0 Home Run, and 6 RBI.

Having competed in the professional world for the past year, he said he felt he had made some progress in his batting, saying, "I was called up to the minor leagues last year and was able to get some hits, and I realized I could hit better than I thought in the Phoenix League (in the fall)." On the other hand, he added, "In conversations with the staff, I was told that defense is my biggest challenge. In order to get closer to being on the main roster, I need to develop reliable and reassuring defense," and he spends his days diligently working up a sweat in the cool climate to develop solid defense, building on his characteristic nimble fielding.

Takizawa, who is currently a regular on the first team, is one of those who rose through the ranks from being a developmental player. "He's definitely someone I should look up to, and he showed that you can do that much even if you come from the developmental league, so I want to work hard and think that it's not impossible for me either," he said, referring to him as someone he admires.

His weight, initially announced as 77 kg when he joined the team, has increased to 83 kg through trial and error. His robust physique gives him an even more imposing presence. He is now past the halfway point of his second professional season. "First, I want to stay firmly in the minor leagues. Ultimately, it would be best if I could finish my season in the minor leagues," the young Lion said with determination. Next year, he will surely show his skills in front of a packed house of fans at his home stadium, Belluna Dome.