My main profession is Baseball, and my hobby is Soccer.On December 8th, the final match day of the 2024 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, the figure of Takahisa Hayakawa from the Rakuten Eagles could be seen at the Noevir Stadium Kobe.Dressed in the Vissel Kobe uniform, he watched the game with sparkling eyes. He witnessed the moment of J.LEAGUE consecutive championships, but what did he feel from that moment?What are the surprising similarities between Baseball and Soccer, and the unique appeal each sport holds?

——Sorry for intruding on your private Soccer viewing today!It was surprising to learn that professional Baseball player Hayakawa’s hobby is Soccer.What sparked your interest?

“I’ve loved soccer since I was little.In my elementary school club activities, I used to play soccer.The position is either a goalkeeper or a defender.I used to go watch matches even back then, but I didn’t really start watching seriously until about five years ago.The catalyst was watching the Emperor’s Cup final held at the Japan National Stadium on January 1, 2020.This is the match where Vissel Kobe won their first domestic title. For me personally, it was before I had decided to join the Rakuten Eagles.”

——What aspects of soccer do you find interesting?

“It’s about progressing the game while communicating. Of course, communication among teammates is also crucial in baseball, but what often determines the outcome of a game is the skill level of the pitcher and the batter.In soccer, communication is taken during the flow of the game, strategies are revised, and this can sometimes directly lead to the outcome of the match.I feel that the strength of such a ‘team spirit’ is what makes soccer interesting.”

——Are there any aspects you refer to in your Soccer play?

“I often observe the movements of midfielders such as anchors and volantes.Depending on the team’s tactics, the position of taking the helm as the Playmaker has aspects that also apply to the pitcher.For instance, I formulate my pitching by considering various factors such as the atmosphere of the ballpark, the flow of the game, the habits of the opposing batter, and the strategies of the opposing bench.”Even the midfielders overlook the game, deciding where to attack, so they often observe the movements during play.”

——Is there a player in Vissel Kobe that you are particularly paying attention to?

“I have never met him, but I feel a strong sense of kinship with Yuya Kuwasaki, a fellow student from the same Waseda University. I am also very inspired by athletes like Daiju Sasaki and Taisei Miyashiro, who are around the same age and are making great strides.”

——I heard that you also incorporate soccer practice into your off-season training.What specifically are you referring to?

“We actually play matches like mini-games, do exercises to broaden our perspective, and incorporate footwork training using a soccer ball.For instance, in baseball, when the opponent bunts, the pitcher goes to handle the ball, but if they’re not light on their feet, they won’t be able to field well. I feel that soccer training is effective for developing agile lower body movements.”

——What does Hayakawa think is the common appeal of the two sports?

“In Japan, both have incredible enthusiasm from fans and supporters. In terms of regional ties, Soccer has teams in every prefecture and is deeply rooted, and the Rakuten Eagles are also the only professional Baseball team in the Tohoku region, receiving the support of many people.I think such environments may be a common appeal.In terms of their respective appeals, Baseball allows you to enjoy the game with a sense of rhythm for each round and each pitch, while on the other hand, Soccer lets you experience the tension of not knowing when the game will change within 90 minutes. I believe that it would be a good experience for baseball fans to watch soccer, and for soccer fans to watch baseball.”

——Please give a message to everyone at Vissel Kobe, who have secured their second consecutive J.LEAGUE championship.

“First of all, truly, congratulations.I feel fortunate to witness such a moment right in front of my eyes.I imagine you must be having a splendid season, with two consecutive J-League victories and even two domestic titles to your name.I often hear stories of people putting their all into their daily practices, and I believe that being able to keep winning at critical moments is a testament to a strong team.As a team within the same Rakuten Group, we feel proud and we also want to perform as well as Vissel Kobe. This has given us a lot of courage.I want to transform it into my own power.Let’s both do our best in the 2025 season!”

As an athlete and as a fellow member of the Rakuten Group, they seemed to be deeply inspired.Even in different sports, the importance of communication and the significance of overlooking the game are common.Hayakawa, who has grown into the ace of the Rakuten Eagles, I wonder what kind of performance he will show us next year.Even the fans and supporters of Vissel Kobe should check out his performance!

TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Yukiko Noguchi
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)