[All-Star Game] MVP Kotaro Kiyomiya "I guess it's impossible... I took it," says manager Shinjo, "So I hit it" | Pacific League

Kiyomiya Yuki, selected as MVP, responds to the cheers of the crowd (photographer: Nakajima Suguru)

◆Mynavi All-Star Game 2025: Central 7-Pacific 10 (24th, Yokohama)

Nippon-Ham Fighters infielder Kotaro Kiyomiya was named MVP. Following the first game of 2012, this is his second time participating in the All-Star Game and his second time receiving this honor. He hit a single to left field in the first inning, a timely doble in the second inning, and a solo home run over the right field hit in the fourth inning, putting him one step away from hitting for the cycle. Although he struck out in his final two at-bats, in which he had declared he was aiming for triple, he still earned himself a prize of 3 million yen for his impeccable performance. Below is a Q&A session after the game.

-Looking back on the All-Star game.

“There aren’t many times when I can relax like this, so I think the All-Star game is really fun. I’m really lucky to even be able to win the MVP award. I’m really grateful to everyone because it was all thanks to everyone’s hits and the win.”

–Two MVP awards in two appearances.

“Wow, it’s amazing. I thought it would be impossible this year, but I got it anyway (laughs).”

-At home run Derby, he was hoping to win a car for his younger brother.

“Hey, he asked me to do it, but he told me to earn it myself. It would have been nice if we had won the Derby, but you’re really good, Maki-san. I think you’re taking advantage of the home field advantage.”

-How will you use the prize money?

“For personal gain (laughs). No, no, I don’t know. I hope I can find a good way to use it. Last time, I gave gifts like backpacks to the people behind the scenes. I’ll think about it properly from now on.”

-For me.

“I haven’t thought about anything. I’m just happy right now.”

-What present did you get for your younger brother?

“That’s good, too.”

-Coach Shinjo praised him.

“Really?! I’m happy. But I was saying to him in the at-bat before home run that he’s been hitting the ball well since the home run Derby, and then he hit it. I think I went up to bat with the image of the Derby in mind, and that’s why I was able to hit it.”

– I caught something.

“I wonder. I don’t know. I’m scared.”

-Number two.

“I had a lot of chances, and I simply had a lot of turns at bat. I think drawing number 2 in the lottery was a good thing in the end.”

-A triple.

“I was really aiming for it. I even thought of hitting home run, but it didn’t work out that way. Well, I missed it.”

-Did you strain yourself?

“I was exerting myself in every at-bat.”