The Hanshin Tigers are gearing up for their 2025 season, and the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as key players share their insights and strategies. Koji Chikamoto, the team's outfielder, recently opened up about his role and expectations as the Tigers look to reclaim their place at the top of the league.
Chikamoto, who turned 30 last November, is entering his seventh season and acknowledges the shift within the team dynamics as younger players join the roster. "I will do my best to lead the team this year, so please support us," he stated, expressing his commitment to both personal and team success.
Reflecting on the past season, Chikamoto described it as transformative. "Last season was very educational for me; it was filled with various discoveries and learnings," he noted, emphasizing the importance of both technical skills and the mental aspect of the game. He highlighted the unique challenges he faced as the fourth batter for the first time, stating, "I learned the depth of responsibility being the fourth batter; it’s important we support each other.” This year, stability and injury-free play are his main goals. "If I can stay healthy and play regularly, I believe good results will follow," he remarked.
On the managerial front, Kyuji Fujikawa shared his vision for the season. Addressing the team's long-standing issue with defensive errors, he made clear his approach toward minimizing mistakes. He stated, "It's not about eradicATING errors, but about what we must do to win." This pragmatic mindset stems from the Tigers’ history; they have faced the most errors over the last decade, making Fujikawa’s perspective even more timely.
The manager emphasized the importance of learning from these mistakes rather than succumbing to the fear of making them. "We might have more errors due to the nature of our home field, Koshien, which has specific conditions like irregular bounces," he explained. Fujikawa believes the team must adopt a confident, aggressive playing style to navigate these challenges successfully.
The duo’s insights reflect broader ambitions: both players are focused on their health and well-being to set the stage for team success. Chikamoto underlined the significance of shared support within the team, stating, "We must all carry the load together to relieve pressure from individuals.“ This sentiment resonates with Fujikawa's strategy, which seeks to shift the focus from individual errors to collective resilience.
With training sessions ramping up and discussions about tactics underway, every team member understands the stakes for the new season. Chikamoto's experiences batting fourth have imparted valuable lessons on leadership and support, and he is more than ready to help shape the younger players’ development. "Even if it requires courage, it’s important to speak up and protect those who might need it," he said, showcasing his commitment to fostering a collaborative environment.
Both Chikamoto and Fujikawa are optimistic about the upcoming challenges. With the goal set firmly on winning the championship, they express confidence about the team's strategies. Last season may have had its ups and downs, but the determination to excel is evident. Chikamoto emphasized, "It’s really about maintaining 100% conditioning to yield positive results," underpinning the overarching philosophy among Tigers players as they head confidently toward their 2025 season.