catcher (29), who underwent surgery on July 7 to reconstruct the medial meniscus in his right knee (Orix Buffaloes, Yuma Tongu, ), was discharged from a hospital in Chiba Prefecture on the 20th. During his month-and-a-half-long hospital stay, he focused on strengthening his upper body and core, and his right leg—which underwent surgery—has recovered to the point where he can put his full weight on it without restriction.He remains cheerful and optimistic, focused solely on making a full recovery in time for next season.

"It's been a long journey to get here, but I never lost heart. My only thought is to make a comeback in the best possible condition." Although still in the early stages of recovery, he is able to do light catch and swings while facing forward. It's a major surgery, and there are no precedents of anyone making a comeback in professional baseball, but he intends to stick to his belief, saying, "I will be the precedent, and I will create one."

He has lost 10 kilograms and now weighs 90 kilograms. He lives each day to the fullest, saying, "I want to create a new me from scratch." While he was hospitalized, he received messages and votive tablets wishing him a speedy recovery. Friends, acquaintances, and even Hanshin Tigers Tigers' Fushimi, a former teammate who has also experienced a knee injury, came to visit him. "More than for myself, I want to make a comeback for the people who are supporting me." The 2023 Pacific League batting hitter. He will fight with determination. (Toru Nagata)