On March 1, 2025, Japan's Nippon-Ham Fighters made history by playing their first game of the Taiwan Series against the Unified Lions at the Taipei Dome. The match brought excitement to both teams' fans and showcased some notable performances from the Nippon-Ham roster.
One of the standout players was 24-year-old outfielder Manami Chuusei, who electrified the crowd by hitting a two-run homer during the fourth inning. This feat not only marked the Fighters' ambitious overseas debut but also highlighted Chuusei's growing fame among Taiwanese fans. "To show our fans in Taiwan a great match, it was important not to have low scores," he remarked after taking the lead early on.
Chuusei's name sparked significant interest, as it happens to be the same as Chiang Kai-shek, the first president of the Republic of China, whose birth name was Chiang Chung-cheng. Local media reportedly buzzed with excitement over the name connection, leading to heightened attention on both Chuusei and the Fighters throughout their stay. "I felt surprised and saw this as a mysterious connection," stated Chuusei, reflecting on how his name might have added to the warm welcome he received.
The atmosphere at the Taipei Dome was lively, with local fans cheering energetically. Chuusei, who has gained traction for his dynamic hitting style, admitted to feeling the weight of expectation, saying, "At the plate, I was focused and managed to make good contact, especially after they threw two curveballs. I was really happy to get on base and put points on the board for our team." His performance not only delighted the audience but also garnered domestic media praise, contributing to the fledgling legend surrounding his Taiwan Series debut.
Interestingly, the name connection isn’t the only reason for Chuusei’s local popularity. There is also a popular bubble tea shop called "Wanpo" which shares the same kanji as his last name. He expressed interest in trying it, exclaiming, "Such coincidences make me feel like there’s some odd bond with Taiwan. I definitely want to visit there during my stay!"
Beyond the personal narratives, the game itself showed great promise for Nippon-Ham as they adjust to playing overseas. Veteran catcher Torai Fushimi, who is tying for the oldest player on the team at 34, also made history by recording the Fighters' first stolen base during the game. After drawing a walk, Fushimi darted for second base but was not able to score later. With just two steals throughout his twelve-year NPB career, this moment marked both personal and historical significance for him: "I was just excited to be part of this memorable occasion," he said with glee as he struck his celebrated "NO. 1" pose on second base.
What made the day even more special was the backdrop of the Taiwan Series itself—marking the first time Nippon-Ham has played international matches of this nature. The event not only serves to boost baseball recognition between Japan and Taiwan but aims to forge lasting connections between fans of both nations, enhancing the spirit of friendly competition.
With more than just connections woven between players and fans, the Nippon-Ham Fighters also look to make their mark through exciting gameplay and passionate fan engagement. The series promises to showcase high-stakes matches filled with thrilling moments, allowing players to immerse themselves fully. Players are eager to grab this opportunity and show their skills against formidable local opponents.
Reflecting on the collective excitement of the series, Chuusei enthusiastically said, "Playing baseball is about sharing joy. We want our games here to reflect the fun of our sport!"
This Taiwan Series will feature additional matchups on March 2 against the CTBC Brothers, which fans are already buzzing about, ensuring the excitement around Nippon-Ham's debut tour continues. "I hope to show Taiwan amazing matches over these two games, and I think there’s only more fun to come," added Chuusei, wrapping up what will be remembered as the Fighters' historic start. The series not only marks Nippon-Ham’s first steps onto international turf but also reaffirms the popularity and cultural exchange baseball can inspire across borders.