The true essence of watching sports is, of course, cheering for your team or athlete's success. However, we must not forget the people who support that fervor.Ami, who delivers drinks as a stadium salesgirl, is also one of them.Their hospitality is the reason why we can get engrossed in the game.Regrettably, she graduated after the 2024 season, and I had the chance to hear her final story.

Ami is somewhat of a celebrity among Rakuten Eagles fans.At Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, the home base of the team, they have achieved the No. 1 monthly sales for Suntory The Premium Malt’s as a stadium salesgirl for two consecutive years, and hold the record for the highest ever daily sales.What kind of feelings did she have when she was delivering the drinks?

——Please tell us what prompted you to start working as a stadium vendor for the Rakuten Eagles.

I am originally from Iwate Prefecture, and my family is a baseball-loving household. Since my early childhood, I used to visit Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi quite often.The spark was when I saw the sparkling figure of the salesgirl and thought, “I want to be like this when I grow up.”Upon entering university, I started my dream job as a stadium salesgirl.

——Looking back on the past four years, what stands out in your memory?

I was able to achieve all the goals I set in my second year of university: to be the top monthly seller of Suntory The Premium Malt’s for two consecutive years, to break the record of 300 cups sold per day, which is the all-time best for Suntory The Premium Malt’s, and to pitch the first ball in a baseball game.The record for all-time first place was achieved this August, and I was able to stand on the mound and throw the ball at the ceremonial pitch of the event called “Uriko Night”.Setting and achieving long-term goals made me realize that I too have the power to persevere and make my dreams come true.

– Wonderful!Please tell us the points that Ami, who has consistently achieved the number one in sales, was conscious of during customer service.

I thought it wasn’t enough to just do what everyone else was doing, so I looked for a customer service approach that would make people want to buy from me. First, start by increasing the number of regular customers and people who know me, and build a relationship of trust.I made a conscious effort to engage in conversations that involved asking about one’s background and interests, finding common ground, and ensuring they remember something about me.Furthermore, rather than providing the same service to everyone, we also placed importance on changing our manner of speaking depending on the customer.I think a key point is to provide customer service tailored to the game situation, and the personality felt when talking.

―― Could you please share an episode from your interactions with the attendees that is particularly memorable to you?

The moment when a little girl told me, “I want to be a salesgirl like you  in the future.” while I was serving her family. I was delighted to become someone who could be admired, just like the peddler I used to admire when I was a child.

――Balancing university life must have been quite challenging, with many difficulties. Do you have a reason why you were able to try hard at that time?

When I first started selling, there were restrictions on the number of members who could work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I couldn’t attend as much as I wanted to. That’s why I truly appreciate being able to go to work every day, realizing that it’s not something to take for granted. Furthermore, I received a lot of support from the presence of my peers and team members, as well as the words I received from our customers. Because I had a part-time job, I was able to work hard at my studies and I believe it also helped me gain confidence.

――What do you think is necessary to become a ‘Beloved salesgirl’ likeyou?

Always staying cheerful and finding a way to serve customers that highlights your individuality.And the most important thing is, I believe, enjoying your job as a salesgirl!

――Please tell us what you like about Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi.

I think the stadium, which is characterized by its amusement park-like features, is quite distinctive. When I was little, I used to go to the stadium more with the feeling of going to a theme park rather than a place to watch baseball. One of the charms is that it is a stadium that can be enjoyed even by those who are not familiar with baseball, as well as families. The remaining thing is that the Stadium Food is delicious. My recommendation is the Samgyeopsal Donburi, a menu  produced by Yukiya Ito. It’s spicy and delicious, and it also goes well with drinks, so I really want you to try it!

――What kind of appeal do you feel the Rakuten Eagles have?

It’s truly a warm team. I’ve noticed that the local community is closely knit, and all our customers have a strong affection for the team. The sentiment of everyone in Tohoku striving together is conveyed. Thanks to everyone’s warm support, I was able to enjoy my activities for four years. Working as a salesgirl for the Rakuten Eagles at this stadium is a pride of my life. Thank you so much for everything up until now!

Although Ami’s graduation is sad, her passion is surely being passed on to her juniors. I’m looking forward to meeting the “Number 1 of the future” at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi next year.

INTERVIEW&TEXT: Shiori Saeki (IN FOCUS)
PHOTO: Hayato Kubota
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)