catcher (29), who underwent surgery on July 7 to reconstruct the medial meniscus in his right knee (Orix Buffaloes, Yuma Tongu, ), began rehabilitation on the 21st in Maishima, Osaka.Having been discharged from a hospital in Chiba Prefecture just the day before on the 20th, the focus of the day was primarily on checking his post-operative condition. He continued to strengthen his upper body and core—a regimen he had begun during his hospital stay—and reaffirmed his determination to make a full recovery.

"I think I'll be the oldest in the rehabilitation group, so I can't let my guard down. I want to create a bright atmosphere, that kind of vibe." It's a major surgery that no one in professional baseball has ever returned to after, but he's full of enthusiasm, saying, "I'll just set a precedent myself." The 2023 Pacific League batting hitter, who breathed the team air for the first time in a month and a half, said with conviction, "I definitely want to make a comeback for the people who support me. That feeling has grown stronger."