Shoya Matsuura, a pilot for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's aerobatic team 'Blue Impulse' and an Osaka native, appeared at the Orix Buffaloes' 'Naniwa HERO Special Ceremonial First Pitch.' Matsuura, who is also a fan of the Orix Buffaloes, cheered on the players, saying, 'Please move up even one spot in the standings.'

In a project where 'local heroes' who have contributed to brightening the city of Osaka are invited to perform the ceremonial first pitch, the choice for this ninth occasion fell upon Mr. Matsuura, who performed a magnificent demonstration flight at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Matsuura-san is from Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. He started playing baseball in the first grade of elementary school with the youth baseball team 'Yamada Nishi Little Wolf,' and being an admirer of T-Okada, who is from the same team and joined the Orix Buffaloes, he was even a member of the fan club. During the ceremonial first pitch, he threw a powerful fastball that, despite being a one-bounce, drew loud applause from the stands.

T-Okada, who played catch with him, reportedly sent him off saying, "This is a rare opportunity, so go and enjoy it," but he said, "I was more nervous than during a demonstration flight, and my legs were shaking." After the appearance, Matsuura, who was informed that his pitch speed was 119 km/h, smiled and looked back at the mound, saying, "Since I am the 'No. 3 aircraft of the 11th Squadron,' I was aiming for 113 km/h. I usually fly at 900 km/h, so next time I want to practice so I can throw a pitch at 900 km/h (laughs)."

During his youth baseball days, he reportedly received numerous fielding drills from Yasuko Tanahara, the manager's wife who was affectionately known as "Obachan" (Auntie) within the team. He revealed, "The most significant thing was the way of being as a person that the manager and Obachan taught me." He expressed his gratitude to his mentors, saying, "I was taught to be polite as a person and to value friendship before becoming good at baseball, and that skills come last. I believe those six years of youth baseball have been very useful in my life since then."

"As a former baseball boy, I know how incredible it is to stand on the mound at Kyocera Dome, and I feel like I'm in disbelief. I was given a truly precious experience. I hope this will spark an interest in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Blue Impulse," he said, conveying the wonder of having a dream and making it come true.

Interview and text by Masaki Kitano