Hokkaido Nippon-Ham will hold the “2025 New Player Welcome Event” at ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO on Monday, November 24th. Seven players selected at the 2025 draft meeting attended and talked about their current state of mind and aspirations after joining the team.
Jiei Okawa / pitcher / Right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitter
#27 / Draft 1st place / Meiji University
“As for the name, please use ‘Jiei’ instead of ‘Jiei’. I’m really happy to be nominated by such a great team. Regarding my future aspirations, as Scout Yamamoto said, I would like to be a pitcher that fans can trust and watch pitch that gives despair to the opposing team. First of all, I would like to wave my arms as a piece to become the best in Japan next year, so please support me.
I’ve been a closer for a long time, so I’ll do my best to aim to throw as a closer for a year. If I get solid results as a closer, I want to do my best as a starter.”
◇Scout Comments
“The pitcher is attractive for his fire-breathing fastball and aggressive pitching style. The fastball has a maximum speed of 155 km/h. In the fall of his fourth year of university, he showed an overwhelming pitch and contributed greatly to Meiji University’s overall victory. However, the journey was not without its challenges. In his third year, he experienced a major setback and even seriously considered quitting baseball. From there, I conducted a thorough self-analysis and reviewed the content of the exercises, and achieved a different growth in the fourth grade. This attitude of pushing things to the end and sparing no effort can be said to be suitable for professionals.
His father is a former martial artist, and his mother is a volleyball player who competed in the Atlanta Olympics. I feel that pitcher Okawa’s talents and sincere attitude towards baseball are greatly influenced by his parents. In the same year, there are Tatsu (Kota), Fukushima (Ren), Yanagawa (Daisho), etc. They are good companions and good rivals who will lead the The Fighters in the future. Finally, I hope that pitcher Okawa will be a reliable pitcher who will take the mound at the end of the game and give the opponent a sense of despair. I am looking forward to it.”
Edpolo Kane / outfielder / Right-handed right-handed hitter
#42 / Draft 2nd place / Osaka Gakuin University
“When I was in college, I worked hard for four years with the theme of challenging things that no one else had ever done, so even if I enter The Fighters, I will not change that and will do my best to do things that I have never done before. As for my resolution, I have heard that no one has ever guessed the SHINJO board yet, so I am thinking of guessing it first. Thank you for your support.
I’ve been playing ‘No. 3 center fielder’ all my time in high school and college, so I want to play ‘No. 3 center fielder’ even in The Fighters.”
◇Scout Comments
“Edpolo wasn’t happy to be nominated for second place, he was so happy to be nominated by The Fighters. Ed Polo, thank you for joining the team. Welcome to Hokkaido. This is Ed Polo who loves The Fighters so much. Fans, I think there are times when you can’t hit for a while. I think there are times when things don’t go well, but thank you for your warm support. Ed Polo, please be the first to hit the SHINJO board as a The Fighters player.”
Ruan Otsuka / infielder / Right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitter
#49 / Draft 3rd place / Tokai University
“My charm is that I have my own defense strength and the fact that I have a strong feeling compared to people who are small but have a larger body. My ambition is to become a player who can be loved by the fans and the The Fighters team. Thank you for your support. Please use ‘No. 1 short stop’ for position and batting order.”
◇Scout Comments
“Otsuka has served as the captain at Tokai University Sagami High School and Tokai University and has demonstrated leadership. The type that pulls with your back rather than words. His taciturn and serious attitude earns him a lot of trust from his teammates. First of all, I want you to pay attention to the power of defense, which is said to be the No. 1 of the generation. short stop has a sense of speed and nimble footwork and accurate throwing, and is highly regarded as an immediate force. In addition, his agility and high baseball IQ are also his great weapons.
He continued to grow in batting from the spring league match, and showed his competitive strength and slugging power at the All Japan University Championship. At bat, he is also attractive because he can play a role beyond numbers, such as skillful bat control, good ball selection to choose Walk, and hitting according to the game situation. I think that mental strength that can produce results in especially important situations is a part that even professionals must live with.
And the opening game of the Japan-America University baseball began with this ES CON FIELD. I think many people were fascinated by seeing him in action on ES CON FIELD. It was a match that made me feel a strong connection with The Fighters again. I think he will be a player who can win the Golden Glove Award and the Best Nine in the future. First of all, believe in yourself, cherish Otsuka’s motto “One Day for a Lifetime”, live every day as a professional baseball player, and become a player who can give courage and excitement to many fans with his professional play. I’m looking forward to it.”
Minato Handa / infielder / Right-handed and left-handed
#51 / 4th place in the draft / Japan University Fujisawa High School
“I am really grateful that The Fighters has captured me, an unknown person who has never appeared in Koshien. My technique and body are still a long way off, but I have been practicing with the goal of playing an active role as a professional, not a professional. From now on, I will continue to practice steadily without rushing and without wavering, and I will definitely play in ES CON FIELD and become a player who can represent The Fighters and liven up Hokkaido and Japan. Thank you for your continued support. Please use the position short stop and batting order number 3.”
◇Scout Comments
Although it did not reach the national competitions such as Koshien, it was the most noticeable infielder in high school baseball in Kanagawa Prefecture, a fierce battleground. Although he is stoic when it comes to running, offense, defense, and baseball, his bright and honest personality is a wonderful material with both three and four beats.
The name “Minamiju” was named with the parents’ wish to shine as beautifully as the Southern Cross. Since the Southern Cross is a constellation in the Southern Hemisphere, it can only be seen from low latitudes such as Okinawa. This zodiac sign also has the meaning of light and hope that guides life. Everyone, you can see the Southern Cross in this ES CON FIELD as well. Please look forward to Minamiju Handa, who shines beautifully and brilliantly. Thank you for your support.”
Kaito Fujimori / catcher / Right-handed and left-handed hitter
#57 / Draft 5th place / Meitoku Gijuku High School
“I am from Nemuro City, Hokkaido, and I have always wanted to join The Fighters, so I came this far. Since junior high school, I have been going to Meitoku Gijuku in Kochi Prefecture and have lived in a dormitory for six years to acquire patience and mental strength. Since I became a professional, I have never forgotten my gratitude to the people and fans who have supported me on a daily basis, and I want to take on challenges in everything. Thank you for your continued support.
(Seeing the fans who came to support me from my hometown of Nemuro City) I am very happy that they are supporting me from the local area like this, and I hope I can repay the favor with the results. Please use ‘No. 1 catcher’ for position and batting order.”
◇Scout Comments
“In addition to being a right-handed and left-handed hitter, he has a strong shoulder catcher, as well as a high defense power that can handle outfield and a strong hit. Under the coach of the famous general Shiro Mabuchi, he entered the bench in the spring of the first year and participated in the summer of the second year and the spring of the third year, Koshien. In addition, in the U-18 team, he mainly contributed to the runner-up as an indispensable part of the team as the “No. 2 left”.
I am from Nemuro City, Hokkaido, and when I was in elementary school, I was selected by The Fighters Jr. I thought it was The Fighters Jr., but when I listened closely, I was rejected in the final selection. However, I was able to wear The Fighters jersey in this way, and I think I was able to get my revenge. At the age of only 12, he went to Meitoku Gijuku in Kochi Prefecture and had the patience to endure rigorous practice for six years in junior high and high school. My body lines are still thin, but I believe that if my body grows, I will be active here ES CON FIELD as a catcher that I can hit.”
Takuki Tsuneya / infielder / Right-handed right-handed hitter
#123 / Development Draft 1st Place / Hokkai Gakuen University
“I am really happy to have been nominated by my local team, The Fighters. Until now, I have watched The Fighters games as a fan, but from now on, as a member of The Fighters, I hope to contribute to the league championship and Japan first, and enjoy it with the fans. Thank you for your support.
Please position short stop. I will go with number 3 batting order so as not to lose to Kane (Ed Polo) and Minamiju (Minamiju Handa).”
◇Scout Comments
“I have been watching The Fighters since I was a child and have come all the way to fulfill my dream of being a part of The Fighters. This is the first time in The Fighters that a university has nominated a infielder. He is a player with an attractive batting ability, and this year he maintained his good form in the spring league and the University baseball Championship. In August, he played against The Fighters here in ES CON FIELD, and he is a really attractive player with triple hits in the middle right, center fielder hits in front of him.
defense It also has plenty of room to grow and grow from spring to autumn. They also have strong shoulders. If you can produce results from now on, register under control, and be active here in ES CON FIELD, you have enough qualities to become a star. Born in Ebetsu City, Hokkaido, please take care of Tokoya.”
Yokoyama Eagawa / pitcher / Right-handed and left-handed
#124 / 2nd place in the development draft / Aomori Chuo Gakuin University
“First of all, I would be happy if you could first judge that it was Yokoyama with these bloodshot eyes and double teeth that make you want to worry about yourself. baseball will be able to contribute to this wonderful stadium and its wonderful fans to contribute to The Fighters winning the championship next year……
I was thinking about it, but Coach Shinjo said earlier, ‘Don’t let the hat come off,’ but I was able to take off my hat every time I threw in high school and college, so I want to fix it from there. Thank you. I would like to connect the front of Jiei Okawa, so please reliever it.”
◇Scout Comments
“High school is Hachinohe Kosei Gakuin. I submitted a professional application form, but I missed the nomination. At one point, I was about to give up on becoming a professional baseball player, but with the support of my family and the coach of Aomori Chuo Gakuin University, I was asked to “aim for the pros together”, and after entering school, I gained strength. In addition, pitcher and hitter have grown to the point where they are only in the eyes of us scouts.
The fastball, which is proud, measures the mid-150km/h range. At first glance, it looks calm, but the core is quite strong. I know that I don’t have time to relax as a training player. I am trying to show with results that I have caused trouble and hardship to my parents and siblings until I came here. The person himself is quite burned. They should do it. Please do your best.”
AloJapan.com