On March 22, 2025, Kazuyoshi Tatsunami, the former manager of the Chunichi Dragons, made a special appearance at Chukyo Racecourse where he served as a presenter for the Falcon S, a significant horse racing event. Following the day's races, Tatsunami engaged with fans in a talk show that attracted many attendees, allowing him to reflect on his past and discuss future expectations.
Tatsunami, who has not visited Chukyo in years, reminisced about his previous experiences there. "I haven’t been to Chukyo Racecourse in several years since running a penalty game for a TV program. That time, I only remembered how painful it was to run, but I was surprised by the lushness of the turf course and the intensity before the goal,” he noted, expressing astonishment at the venue's vibrancy he had not encountered before.
During the talk show, Tatsunami expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fans. "Thank you to everyone for gathering in large numbers. It was wonderful to be able to talk in front of you after such a long time. I had a great time forgetting my work and sharing various stories," he said enthusiastically.
Reflecting on his managerial stint with the Chunichi Dragons, Tatsunami acknowledged the ups and downs of his three-year tenure. "I apologize for not being able to meet expectations. However, it was necessary to change the team, and while I faced criticism, I did what I had to do,” he said, underscoring a sense of responsibility towards the team and its future direction.
Looking ahead, Tatsunami expressed optimism for the upcoming season, particularly regarding young player Kohei Ishikawa. "I hope Ishikawa makes a breakthrough this season, as it could change the balance of our batting lineup significantly,” he remarked. Tatsunami's faith in Ishikawa hints at the budding talent within the team that he believes could have a substantial impact.
The Falcon S event provided a platform for Tatsunami to bridge his past experiences as a manager with his love for baseball and connection to the community. His candid reflections not only resonate with fans but also align with the ongoing narrative regarding Chunichi Dragons’ journey towards reshaping their lineup and strategy.
As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming baseball season, Tatsunami’s instilled hope in the team's potential ignites further excitement. His comments indicate the bridges being built between past and future endeavors at Chunichi as they transition into the new season.
The Falcon S event at Chukyo Racecourse marked a significant intersection of Tatsunami's past and present, allowing him to reconnect with the sporting community in a joyous atmosphere and fostering discussions about the future of the Chunichi Dragons.
