The brand concept that the Rakuten Group upholds, "On a Mission: Empowerment," "Behave Ethically: Integrity," "Prepare to Succeed: Professionalism," "Complete Commitment: Get Things Done," and "Solidarity: Succeed as a Team."What if we applied these five to the players of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles?Strangely, or rather inevitably, I found a lineup that fits perfectly.The "Complete Commitment: Get Things Done" goes to player Ginji Akaminai.A steadfast belief, aiming for the top in Japan.As a veteran and a native of Tohoku, there is a reason why I cannot easily give up.

Ginji Akaminai has been active with the Eagles since his professional debut in 2006 and continues to do so to this day.I am originally from Fudai Village, Iwate Prefecture.Even on March 11, 2011, he was a member of this team based in Tohoku. Professional baseball players, undoubtedly, aim to contribute to their team’s victory by making good plays and to ultimately win the championship.Everything is for the sake of the fans who support us.Of course, not everyone can make that happen.In the midst of fierce competition, there are times when one must accept the reality that is thrust upon them.Belief, it might be something that can be glimpsed particularly in such moments.What are they carrying?

“My perspective as a professional baseball player changed significantly after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.Since my professional debut until that time, I was simply working hard without even consciously thinking about “doing my best in Baseball”.After all, seeing the disaster-stricken areas and having conversations with the victims became the catalyst that made me think I had to do something about it.As a person from Tohoku, I wanted to uplift everyone through my achievements.It may be just a little, but I thought it was absolutely necessary to do it.That feeling hasn’t changed, even now, 12 years after that incident.I want to make a difference for the people living in disaster-stricken areas, I want to win.I want to see everyone’s smiles again, like when we became the best in Japan in 2013.You must not give up on that.That’s why I want to try even harder.

Since I started thinking that way, I’ve become more fond of Baseball than before.Rather, I feel like I’m becoming more and more fond of it.

Last year, I often had the chance to play as a pinch hitter, but pinch hitters are often brought in during tough situations, so we tend to end up being rather passive.But even that kind of pressure makes me happy.I’m just so happy, I can’t help it.Since everyone is watching me at bat, I think, “If I hit it here, it’ll really liven things up.”Since I’ve started thinking that way, I’ve been able to focus solely on going for my swing from the first pitch.Let’s go on the offensive from our side, with the intent to set things in motion.

That being said, it’s rare that everything goes well.Of course, there are times when you can’t hit.What’s important is to firmly accept such assumptions.By maintaining the mindset that it’s natural for things not to go well, you strive to make them work even a little better, and I believe you can prepare for whatever may happen because you never know what’s going to happen.On top of that, even if you couldn’t hit it, you should immediately switch your feelings at that time.”Don’t leisurely wait until the next day to reset, you bounce back according to the situation, the scene, before the next pitch.”

TEXT: Chiharu Abe