Kazuhisa Ishii became the General Manager (GM) of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2018, and after serving concurrently as GM and Manager, has been focusing solely on his role as Manager since 2023.As a General Manager, he knows the team from the perspective of the organization, and as a Manager, he understands the team from the "field," where he deals with the players every day. He surely understands the relationship between Rakuten and sports more deeply than anyone else.They spoke about "Rakuten Baseball," which serves as a guideline for their second championship win.

“As the logo prominently displayed on the visitor’s uniform suggests, the owner company and the team are one and the same.I am confident that I have a stronger sense of awareness and responsibility than any of the previous Managers.Having served as the GM until last season, I had many opportunities to talk with the employees of Rakuten Group, and we have seen the management side of the team together.

Moreover, there’s a lot to learn.All the employees are always aiming to “take a step ahead” of their rivals in their respective jobs, aren’t they?Moreover, we are aiming to broadcast from Japan to the world.I believe that the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles also need to become a team that can take leadership in professional baseball as a whole, and just because baseball was born in America, it doesn’t mean that current Japanese baseball, and this team, should be considered “inferior”.

One of the brand concepts promoted by Rakuten Group is “Prepare to Succeed: Professionalism”, which we feel is also a very important phrase for us.It’s not just about preparing, but also about meticulously planning for victory from various angles, including a certain kind of “cunning”.”Cunning” is always utilized in crucial moments, you see.

I feel that what we can call “Rakuten Baseball”, is finally being constructed now as the roots of the players have started to thicken.

That being said, what is ultimately required of us is nothing but the result.That is also a “high quality” result.Since their initial victory in 2013, the Eagles, unfortunately, have not been able to secure a second championship.Still in the process of growth.Believing that becoming content is indeed the greatest enemy, you must never think “this is good enough”.Even if you fail, keep moving forward.Anyone can look down.It is truly difficult to face forward in situations that make you hang your head.However, it’s the players who can do that who become top-notch.Not for the distant future, but for the immediate results.”I hope that the entire team will play ‘Rakuten Baseball’ with such awareness.”

TEXT: Chiharu Abe