Rakuten Group is soliciting dreams related to sports from Rakuten members, and is planning a series to make these dreams a reality, titled "Dreams Come True".This time, I will introduce the project which was held at the Rakuten Super Baseball Game at Tokyo Dome on August 1st.The dream of the man who was selected splendidly was to let his eldest daughter, who loves baseball, throw the opening pitch at a Rakuten Eagles game.The grand stage where every pitch is crucial, what will be the outcome...?

The Rakuten Super Baseball Game is an important event for the Rakuten Eagles, held once a year at the Tokyo Dome.There’s a different kind of fervor in the players’ performance and the fans’ cheers than usual.In such a heated atmosphere, just imagining the significant role of the opening pitch on the mound, attracting all eyes in the stadium, makes my heart race….The ball thrown by the eldest daughter, watched over by her family who came with her from Miyagi Prefecture, did bounce once, but it splendidly landed into the catcher’s mitt.

――You seemed a bit nervous, but your form was very graceful.How did you feel standing on the pitcher’s mound for the opening pitch?

“I had been allowed to practice in the bullpen several times, but when I actually stood on the mound, the distance to home base felt long, wondering, ‘Will it reach…?’It was a feeling of unease.”

――How did you feel it when you actually threw it?

“I really wanted to throw it without a bounce, but it ended up bouncing once.However, I think it was good that the course was thrown straight.”

――Your father was able to participate in the opening pitch ceremony due to his application to “Dreams Come True” project. How do you feel about having such an opportunity?

“I think it’s an opportunity that’s hard to come by, so I’m genuinely happy.”

――I heard you’re about to take your high school entrance exams.Does today’s experience seem to be leading to an increase in study motivation?

“Being immersed in studies all the time is tough, so this was a valuable opportunity to take a breather, and I hope to switch gears and work hard on my exam studies from here.”

――You’ve fulfilled one dream today, but do you have different dreams for the future?

“I want to become a staff member of the Rakuten Eagles.”

Next, I spoke to the father as well.Even if it’s for the sake of his beloved daughter, coming up with such an idea is not easy.Perhaps he was even more nervous than her.

――What made you decide to apply for “Dreams Come True” project this time?

“Since the 2023 season, we’ve started going to watch Rakuten Eagles’ games often as a family. The atmosphere of the support was incredibly good, and we also got deeply involved.My eldest daughter also joined the baseball team from there, and our entire family really started to enjoy baseball. This year, my eldest daughter retired from her club activities and is about to take her high school entrance exams, so I thought this was a perfect opportunity for her to switch gears, which is why I let her apply.”

――How did you feel when you found out you were selected?

“I received a message via email, but I was skeptical, thinking ‘Is it true?’It was like that (laughs).”

――How did you feel seeing your daughter standing on the mound?

“Of course, I think she was nervous during the actual event, but there was not much sign of this leading up to today. If anything, I was the one who was more worried. I have already retired from the club activities, but the school teachers allowed me to practice pitching, so I think I was well prepared.”

――Lastly, could you give a message to the Rakuten Eagles who helped make this dream come true?

“I’m truly grateful for the support that has lifted the entire Tohoku region, and this year, I was able to witness the victory of the interleague games.Let’s keep working hard together from now on!”

Everyone has their own dreams they want to fulfill.And it doesn’t matter whether it’s your own dream or someone else’s.The expression on the father’s face, who is making dreams come true for the bright future of his child, was shining.The Rakuten Group supports those who want to fulfill their own dreams, as well as those who want to help others achieve theirs, through their “Dreams Come True” project initiative.

Click here for the ‘Dreams Come True’ site

PHOTO: Teppei Hori
INTERVIEW&TEXT: Kodai Wada
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)