Office for Sports Promotion

Nakayama:My grandmother, mother, and cousin all played softball, and when I was in the third grade of elementary school, I tried practicing softball with my cousin, and it was so much fun that I started playing.I also think that when I was playing catch, my grandfather complimented me and said, ``That's a nice way to throw,'' which inspired me to start playing softball.

Hasegawa：Originally, my father played baseball and wanted me to play softball.When I was in the second grade of elementary school, a friend of mine who played softball told me that if I went on a tour, I could get candy, so I went to see the school, seduced by the candy (lol).Rather than my father's influence, I started playing softball because I was attracted to sweets (lol).

中山: It's really cool when you're on the field.He is very sensitive when it comes to technology, and I think he is the type of person who watches videos and studies every detail, and works thoroughly on various aspects, and I think he is working very hard.However, while everyone says ``I'm cool,'' I actually have a bright side.I'm the type who doesn't show much on my face, so I think that gap is good (lol).

(I.e.: He is a very hard worker and the type of person who works hard even when no one is looking.I think he is a player who does not show much pain on his face, but is struggling internally and working hard.However, once she leaves softball, she is very bright and natural (lol).

中山: Straight is the characteristic.Two step pitching method^{※ 1}There aren't many left-handed pitchers who can throw a rise ball (a breaking ball that rises to the batter's hands), so I think that's an advantage.Mentally, when I am substituted in a pinch situation, I go on the mound with more excitement than nervousness.I believe that my strength is the mental strength that allows me to have fun in any situation.

(I.e.: His specialty is pitching that uses slow and fast pitches to toy with batters.I consciously try not to show any emotion on the mound.If the pitcher, who is responsible for organizing the game, shows his emotions, the fielders will feel anxious, so it is important for me to be the main player and always remain calm.

^{※ 1}Two-step pitching method: A pitching form in which when stepping forward, the kicking foot lands again in a skip manner, and then the stepping foot lands again.

中山：I have the words ``Always smile'' on it.I didn't come up with this on my own, but a relative told me, ``You have a nice smile,'' so I added this inscription.I think if you put on a gloomy face in a pinch, the atmosphere of the team will deteriorate.I asked them to include the meaning that not only me, but all the members, ``I want you to do your best with a smile.''

(I.e.：I put the words ``One ball in, one soul in.''The game begins with one pitch thrown by the pitcher, and the winner is determined by that one pitch.I believe that if you throw the ball with all your heart and the thoughts of those who support you, you will definitely get results.

中山:Unlike when I was selected for the under-16 national team, I was able to feel the harshness of being on the Japanese national team, where the precision of a single ball or the slightest difference can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

(I.e.:While I have been competing with the goal of representing Japan, when I actually found myself in that position, I was once again impressed with the high level of Japanese technology in Asian countries.I felt firsthand that Asian countries were trying to adopt Japan's uniquely detailed tactics and careful defense, and I felt that Japan's presence is very important in raising the standards of Asia as a whole.

中山:I had a chance to meet you during the national polity and had a chance to talk with you.I once again felt that he is an amazing player, not only in terms of his technique, but also in his way of thinking and words.

(I.e.:When I was in the 6th grade of elementary school, I saw pitcher Ueno's performance at the Beijing Olympics, and I had a strong desire to become a pitcher like him.The high school I attended was very close to the practice field of the team that pitcher Ueno belongs to, so I had the opportunity to practice with him.His way of thinking was completely different from other players, and he was full of the aura of a legend who carried Japan on his shoulders.Pitcher Ueno often told me, ``Don't give up.''At that time, I had some weaknesses and felt like giving up right away, but I still continue to pitch, keeping in mind the words pitcher Ueno told me, ``Dreams will come true if you don't give up.''

中山:After receiving the certification, I became more aware and responsible as an athlete.I think I need to become a player who can do the things that come naturally to me as a human being, and I'm working hard right now because I want to liven up Tokyo with softball.

(I.e.:I didn't have such strong feelings for Tokyo until I became a certified athlete in Tokyo.Now, I have been given the opportunity to contribute to Tokyo, and I want to work even harder to repay that gratitude with results.

中山：Of course I need to improve my technique, but I want to become a player that everyone wants to support.At Nippon Sport Science University, we are taught that in addition to basic greetings, it is important to hone your humanity on a daily basis.I want to become an attractive player for the Japan national team, and also an attractive player as a person.

(I.e.：I feel that the barriers to becoming a representative are very high.I believe that in order to be selected as a representative, not only ability but also humanity is required.Not only pitcher Ueno, who has always led Japan on the front line, but also players of his own generation, players of the generation below him are also active.When I think about how I can fit into that, I want to hone not only my skills but also my humanity to be worthy of being a representative.