The Official Site of the Japan National Baseball Team

MENU

Japanese ｜ English

Team Report

Chinese Taipei Series Document [Nov. 5th] The Beginning of a New 'Samurai Japan'

12/26/2013TopTeam

Chinese Taipei Series Document [Nov. 5th] The Beginning of a New 'Samurai Japan'

We're taking a look back at the 2013 Baseball Challenge held Nov. 8th ? 10th, reviewing each day from team gathering to dismissal.

Historic First Step for New "Samurai Japan"

November 5th, evening.

Called up for the exhibition match with Chinese Taipei scheduled to start in 3 days, the various members of new 'Samurai Japan' were seen filtering out of their hotel in Tokyo.

'These uniforms are cool, aren't they!'

The first item of business for the members of new 'Samurai Japan' is getting their pictures taken in their uniforms. We asked the young Samurais their thoughts on the striped uniform and new design, which is being seen in public for the first time.

'Seems like the material won't get heavy when it gets wet.'

'The fabric is really flexible and light.'

We were allowed to touch the fabric, and not only is it light, it feels great on the skin. Also, the mark on the front and numbers of the back are printed using sublimation printing, so the total weight is rather light. A closer look at the stripes reveals that they are actually fine zigzags called 'diamond stripes.' The design and feel of the uniforms were a big hit with the players.

Ban Takagi (NTT East), called up from the amateur leagues, made the following comment.

I get chills that I have the opportunity to wear a uniform with 'JAPAN' written on it. Of all the baseball uniforms I've worn in my life, it's the lightest, but for me, it also feels like the heaviest I've ever worn.

Draftees Exuberant over Being Selected

Concerning the permanent establishment of 'Samurai Japan', many players commented that they 'think an amazing system has been set up in baseball.' But more than anything, the deep joy each player felt being selected as first members of Kokubo's 'Samurai Japan' was clearly evident at the photo session.

'I couldn't believe it when I heard I was selected. Of course I was happy but, I was worried if I'd be up to it… anyway, I'm going to work to make sure I don't hold the team back.' (Kyushu Kyoristu University → Hiroshima's first draft pick, Daichi Osera)

'I'm happy they're taking a good look at amateurs and not only pros. It's really motivating that there's a possibility even for an amateur player to make it to a top team if they work hard.' (Hitachi, Ltd., Keisuke Okazaki)

'It's clear that they are thinking four years ahead, looking to go hard for the world championship. I'm extremely happy to be selected this time and definitely want to be here still in four years.' (Chunichi, Yudai Ono)

'I was really surprised when I was selected. Didn't feel confident… but since I've been given the opportunity, I'm going to give it my all.' (Yokohama DeNA ? Takayuki Kajitani)

Three selected members, Tohoku Rakuten's Motohiro Shima, Takero Okajima and Ginji, still appeared energetic despite finishing an intense battle for the Japanese World Series 2 days ago.

Ginji had this to say after his photo.

'Everything is going to affect the WBC in four years, so my motivation is pretty high. We're looking for third win in a row with the Chinese Taipei game!'

Focus Only on Winning

Once the photo session ended, new 'Samurai Japan' held its first team meeting, starting at 6:30pm.

The manager, Hiroki Kokubo, with microphone in hand.

'I've decided to name Motohiro Shima, our oldest player, as captain of our team. Also, I have prepared official call-up notifications for all of you summoned here today.'

The manager Kokubo went on.

'Now I know there are some players here, called up after the end of a long season, who will have challenges to face. But this time, all three games will be on TV, so we all know this means there will be a lot of attention. If any of you thinks of these games as friendly exhibition games, then I'd like you to walk out right now. These three games are build-up games, and we will focus only on winning. Make sure you get that right in your head.' A tense air stretched across the room.

Kokubo added, 'The field is the Dojo for the baseball player, and the hat has to be worn for the uniform to become a soldier's outfit', proposing that the team keep two promises to 'never spit on the field' and 'wear the cap at all times.'

Afterwards, the microphone was passed around to the coaches, players and staff, with each person giving a self-introduction. Surprisingly, every person in the room, including behind the scenes workers, got a chance to speak with the microphone. The sentiment that 'all the people here in this general meeting are members of Samurai Japan' was well expressed here.

After introductions, separate battery and fielder meetings were held. All key decisions like game-time signs were checked, and then the first day for new 'Samurai Japan' came to a close.

チャイニーズ・タイペイ戦 ドキュメント 【11月5日】新生侍ジャパンのはじまり
チャイニーズ・タイペイ戦 ドキュメント 【11月6日】ついに全世代がひとつになる
チャイニーズ・タイペイ戦 ドキュメント 【11月7日】試合前日、いざ台北へ
チャイニーズ・タイペイ戦 ドキュメント 【11月8日】強化試合がついに開幕
チャイニーズ・タイペイ戦 ドキュメント 【11月9日】逆転勝利で2連勝
チャイニーズ・タイペイ戦 ドキュメント 【11月10日】チームはひとつに!強化試合3連勝
チャイニーズ・タイペイ戦 ドキュメント 【11月11日】戦いを終えた侍ジャパン

PARTNERS

DIAMOND PARTNERS

  • NIPPON EXPRESS
  • MUFG

OFFICIAL TITLE PARTNER

  • ラグザス株式会社

OFFICIAL PARTNERS

  • JTB
  • KONAMI
  • 興和株式会社
  • 花王 SUCCESS
  • JAPAN AIRLINES
  • DOCTORAIR
  • 檸檬堂

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

  • LAWSONticket
  • UNIQLO
  • mizuno