Hiroto Kobukata was recognized for his excellent defensive ability and speed and joined the Rakuten Eagles as the first draft pick in 2020.As expected, he won the stolen base title in 2023 and the Mitsui Golden Glove Award, given to defensive masters, in 2024.However, even now that he has become an indispensable member of the team on both offense and defense, he never becomes complacent after winning the title.Seeing the players practice with a strong desire to improve gives the team a bright future.

*This interview was conducted during spring training in February 2025.

–Last season, he played in 134 games as a regular second baseman and won the Mitsui Golden Glove Award.Nevertheless, during spring training, the players were seen working on defensive drills individually after the team practice.What challenges do you feel there are?

“I was happy because it was an award I had always wanted to win, but the Mitsui Golden Glove Award didn’t really boost my confidence.I believe I must continue to improve.To achieve this, during spring training I focused on practicing to eliminate any unnecessary movements.Last year, there were times when the runner on first base was barely safe in situations where we could have attempted a double play, and we felt that we had some issues with our close contact with the ball.If we had gotten the out here, there would have been a change (switch of offense and defense) and we wouldn’t have scored any points, so if we can get the out in such a close call, it should lead to victory.In a game, a split second’s play can make the difference between success and failure.We are working to eliminate unnecessary movement and increase certainty.”

–You achieved brilliant results as a second baseman, but up until that point you’d always played shortstop since joining the team.Has the change in position led to any differences in your defensive play or changes in your mindset?

“I feel like the second base is a better fit.When trying to turn a double play, the opposite movement is required compared to other positions, so it can be difficult to play, but I think that’s also part of the appeal.”

–Since you were the stolen base leader in 2023, there are high expectations for you to make the most of your speed.Are there any improvements you’ve made in terms of base running?

“My legs are a great asset, but I can’t run unless I get on base.The first thing I need to improve is my batting and on-base percentage.It’s an annual challenge.Of course, I’m aiming to be the stolen base leader this year as well.”

–What are you working on in terms of hitting?

“Last year, I tried a lot of different things and it became difficult to get the trajectory of my swing right, so now I’m doing my own training to review the movement and use of my hip joints, and I’m trying to get it back to how it was two or three years ago.I feel like I’m swinging the bat with a feeling similar to when I first started playing Baseball.”

–There are many things to pay attention to, such as defense, base running, and batting, but what kind of play do you want to show the fans?

“It would be great if I could make a lot of plays that would give the team momentum.I want to get on base and create opportunities.”

–On the defensive side, Rui Muneyama has joined the team and will form a new double play position.What is your impression of Muneyama?

“He’s very good defensively.Since he’s a rookie, we need to discuss things like positioning more as the second baseman and shortstop.Last year, I played with (Itsuki) Murabayashi, but by working with various players, I can broaden my horizons, so I want to use Muneyama’s success to help me grow as well.”

–What kind of player do you envision as your ideal player?

“A player who never gets injured and is always on the field, always playing in games.I was born in Hyogo Prefecture and was a Hanshin Tigers fan when I was little, so I always admired players like Takashi Toritani and Tomoaki Kanemoto who continued to play in games and excelled.”

–syncSPORTS by Rakuten publishes articles on the theme of “Powered by Sports. Playing for All. A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER”. What kind of “BETTER FUTURE” do you envision now?

“Getting kids more interested in sports.For me, that’s what I’m most happy about.When I participated in a Baseball class during the off-season, I thought, ‘I want to play more Baseball with these kids and teach them the joy of Baseball.’Of course, it would be great if all of those kids became Rakuten Eagles fans, but first, I would like them to come and visit Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi.The excitement of watching Baseball at the stadium is something special!”

Just as he said in the interview, since the start of the season Kobukata has been working hard in many areas, including defense, batting, and base running.There is no doubt that his consistent success and bold attempts to steal bases when he gets on base are a source of momentum for the team.

TEXT: Chiharu Abe
PHOTO: Yuki Nara
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)