"Playlist PA" is a series that introduces music that accompanies the daily lives of Pacific League players. The seventh installment features Misho Nishikawa of Chiba Lotte Marines.

Nishikawa is known among fans as a fan of SUPER EIGHT. What made him like that?

"I'm originally from the Kansai region, so I've always watched them on TV since I was little and thought they were really interesting. I also listened to their song "Omoidama," which was the theme song for the summer Koshien, and I started to like them."

He also went to the Fukuoka concert in December last year, saying, "Fukuoka was the only place I was able to go between my time retiring from college baseball and joining The Marines. I took the plunge and went to MIZUHO PayPay Dome as a way to combine it with a trip." We asked Nishikawa, who is particularly fond of the SUPER EIGHT songs he used as entrance songs this season, his rookie year, to tell us about three that he has a special attachment to.

[Click here for previous "Playlist Pa"]

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(1) Rin
...I usually listen to SUPER EIGHT's songs on shuffle, but I particularly like the songs they use as entrance music, so I listen to them even on days other than game days. I first heard "Rin," their first at-bat song, when it was played on TV during the Tokyo Olympics four years ago. When I saw the powerful lyrics, I thought, "This song is great," and decided to use it as my entrance music. I especially like the lyrics of the chorus that is actually played at the stadium. I also like the way the chorus really builds up, so I use it.

(2) Youth FIREWORKS
...I also changed my entrance song to a summer version midway through the season. I like the fireworks-themed "Seishun FIREWORKS," which has a refreshing summery melody. I don't remember the exact date I started using this song, but it was around that time that I hit my first professional home run (July 30th). That summer definitely made a strong impression on me.

(What was the reason for your success in the summer?) When I joined the farm team after struggling at the beginning of the season, Saburo, who was the manager of the second team at the time, was with me every step of the way, coaching me before and after games until I was promoted to the first team. I think the experience I gained from receiving various advice not only from Saburo but also from the batting coach was the main reason why I gradually began to see results in the first team.

(3) My friend
...I also started using "Tomo yo" as my entrance song midway through the season. It's a feeling you can only really understand when it's actually playing at the stadium and you're stepping up to bat, but when I tried using it, it felt right. It makes you step up to bat with an excited feeling. I like the lyrics of the chorus, which talks about how even though you may feel knocked down or frustrated, you keep getting back up.

(There are also phrases that sound like a friend actually speaking to you. Who do you think of when you listen to this song?) Thanks to the many people around me, including my family, who support me, even when I feel like giving up, I realize that I still have to keep trying.

Also, at the beginning of the season, while I was having a hard time playing in games, my rivals from the same year, such as (Rui) Munetani, (Masaya) Seiya Watanabe, and (Yusuke) Mugitani, were doing well as fielder. I felt very frustrated and regretful, but I knew I couldn't continue like this. The presence of those rivals was a big factor. I hope we can continue to grow as good rivals, working hard together.

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And this time, we received a special message of support for Nishikawa from everyone in SUPER EIGHT!

"I am delighted that my music has been used in this way. I feel a connection that transcends generations and fields, and I hope that you will continue to care about my music for many years to come. Although I have not yet met Nishikawa, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to him for coming to our Dome concert in Fukuoka.

The fact that they use different songs depending on the time of the season is something that can only be done if the fans have listened to them carefully, so I was reminded once again that they listen to my songs on a daily basis. I also feel that it's something that I want to keep doing for a long time while I'm still active (laughs).

We would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly support Nishikawa, hoping that he will be able to enjoy a fulfilling baseball career without injury for as long as possible!

SUPER EIGHT"

■ Misho Nishikawa player profile
He was born in Wakayama Prefecture on March 25, 2003. After graduating from Ryukoku University Heian High School and Aoyama Gakuin University, he joined Chiba Lotte Marines as the first pick in the 2024 draft. He played in 108 games as a rookie and reached the required number of at-bats. He recorded a batting average of .281, Home Run, and 37 RBI. Expectations are high that he will continue to lead the batting lineup as a key player in his second year in the 2026 season.