Following the conclusion of his time with the Tokyo Giants, 23-year-old infielder Hakuto Kubo is set to start anew with the Mikihouse baseball team as of January 1, 2025. Kubo, who entered the professional ranks after being selected as the third overall pick in the 2019 draft, has faced considerable challenges during his short career. Despite expectations, he only managed to appear in six games for the Giants, finishing the season without securing any hits.
After initially joining the Giants, Kubo experienced significant pressure to perform, especially as he was touted for his slugging potential by then-manager Hiroshi Kato. The falling short of these hopes—and the recent shoulder hernia issues—led to his release from the team. "It’s disheartening, but this experience will be invaluable for my future. It’s time to move forward," Kubo reflected on his exit from the Giants.
Mikihouse expressed excitement over Kubo's signing, noting the infusion of talent as they transition stronger with former Giants players like pitchers Toshiki Sakurai and Yuki Takahashi also joining the ranks. Kubo, eager to prove himself, stated, "Joining Mikihouse is not just about continuing my career; it’s about growth and aiming for championships like the urban championship and Japan's championships.”
His debut with the Giants saw him come onto the major league scene facing injury challenges. Kubo was sidelined for much of this past season and, after receiving notification of his release, he took part unsuccessfully in the joint tryouts held at ZOZO Marine Stadium, managing only one hit over five at-bats.
The community response to Kubo's situation has been mixed, with many sympathetic to his plight. Social media platforms buzzed with comments about his family’s emotional reaction to his release, particularly how his mother expressed disbelief and worry during the recent documentary special "Professional Baseball Player Separated from the Team." Viewers shared poignant sentiments for the family’s support amid their heartbreak of Kubo’s struggles.
"It was hard to watch my son go through this—we believed he could still make it," she remarked through tears, highlighting both pride and sadness. Kubo himself acknowledged his deep connection to his family and their unwavering support, stating, "I could not have gotten this far without them. I'm constantly grateful for their belief in me, even when the road gets tough."
Now, embarking on this new chapter with Mikihouse, Kubo aims to utilize his past experiences and skills for the competitive nature of workplace baseball, which he described as high-level play. "I am ready to give my all and put everything I have experienced throughout these professional years to good use. I have the mindset and intentions to succeed," he expressed.
With the official announcement made on December 25, amid the airing of the special documentary, the timing sparked both intrigue and confusion among fans—some wondering if they had seen spoilers. Nevertheless, excitement pulses through the Mikihouse fanbase as they welcome Kubo, who is determined to thrive and contribute to his new team's success.
Heading forward, the upcoming season for Mikihouse starts on January 13, 2025. Kubo will have the chance to re-establish his playing career and work alongside notable former Giants, all set to drive the new season together.
“For me, this isn’t just rebirth; it’s what I’ve been preparing for all my life. I owe it to myself and my family to push forward and seize this next opportunity," Kubo concluded with palpable enthusiasm.
