Yamaue Yasuhiro and ROLAND share laughs and memories during a nostalgic appearance on Fujitv’s 'Poka Poka,' where they reminisce about their time together at Teikyo High School.
On the morning of September 27, Yamaue Yasuhiro, now a pitcher for DeNA, joined ROLAND, the host and businessman, as guests on the popular show. The two are former classmates who have maintained their friendship since high school, and their reunion brought back fond memories.
ROLAND, 32, remarked on their long-standing friendship, stating, "We were classmates. We were together for three years." This connection allowed them to share personal anecdotes from their student days, eliciting laughs from the studio audience.
When asked about secrets they might still keep from their time as teenagers, both Yasuhiro and ROLAND humorously held up cards with the number '0,' indicating they were willing to reveal some surprising details. ROLAND then playfully disclosed one of Yasuhiro’s secrets: "He can’t write the letter E." This admission took the show’s MC, Harajiri’s Sawabe, by surprise and drew laughter from the audience.
Yasuhiro, now 32 and with a yearly salary of 300 million yen, explained, "During our English tests, we had to write all the lettersA-Z, both uppercase and lowercase, to score full points. I mistakenly wrote the letter E as 'yo' (カタカナ), which didn’t earn me the point. That’s why the ‘e’ in DeNA is small—it’s for Yasuhiro." His retelling revealed the struggles faced during their youth but was met with resounding laughter from the crowd.
ROLAND added, "One time, he misheard 'enough' as 'e, egu,'” shedding light on their playful banter and recollections of misunderstood English terms. This light-hearted sharing of stories painted Yasuhiro as not just an athlete but also someone relatable, who faced the same challenges as many young students.
During the segment, the MC showed concern about Yasuhiro's current ability to sign contracts or anything related to baseball. Yasuhiro reassured everyone, saying, "I can write it properly now! I sign my name, ‘Yasuhiro Yamaue,’ every day." This statement not only eased worries but also highlighted his growth as both a professional and as an individual.
With a grin, when the question of whether his struggles might have impacted his chances of moving to Major League Baseball was posed, Yasuhiro chuckled, "No way! Although I find it amusing!" He underscored his love for DeNA, adding, "I've signed with them long-term, and there's no turning back." This proclamation from him spoke volumes about his dedication and his successful career.
Yasuhiro's close relationship with ROLAND extends beyond their days at Teikyo High School. They share meals, keep each other updated on their lives, and the camaraderie they maintain is evident. ROLAND quipped about their past baseball games, saying, "You came to my opening pitch, but I threw it too far off for the strike zone!" Their shared laughter over these moments demonstrates the genuine warmth between friends who have grown together.
While ROLAND has found significant success as a businessman and host, Yasuhiro has remained committed to his baseball career, which requires immense focus and determination. This appearance on 'Poka Poka' serves not only as entertainment but offers the audience insight and connection to two personalities who might seem worlds apart yet share such common ground.
Fans of both figures revelled not only in the nostalgia but also the relatable absurdities of youth, stemming from misunderstandings and shared experiences. Their story serves as a reminder of the friendships formed during formative years and how impactful those years remain.
Both of them demonstrated how their paths diverge yet intersect regularly, highlighting the power of friendship and mutual respect. These narratives contribute to the image of athletes as relatable individuals who embrace their past, portraying humor and humanity aside from their professional personas.
Yamaue Yasuhiro and ROLAND left lasting impressions on viewers, sparking fascination with their friendship and shining light on the importance of connection amid our busy lives. Their stories not only entertain but also deepen the appreciation for each other's journeys and the bonds formed during the innocent days of youth. Who knew these moments could still resonate as deeply years later?