Three years have passed since I stepped down, from the front line of battle, as the manager of the Hanshin Tigers. During this time, I not only continued to watch baseball in Japan and the world from a step back, but I gained various opportunities to think about the environment and social structure that surrounds the young generation of Japan today. Therefore it was natural for me to think if there is anything that I can do for baseball and the young generation of Japan. Something that can be only done by myself.

I believe in baseball and the young generation of Japan. I believe that there are many with gifted talent and passion…. And that, they are merely lost of a place to display that talent and passion for now….

There should be no need to address the issues Pro Baseball in Japan faces today. However, Pro Baseball is definitely at a historical turning point while it looks to transform from a private property of its owner companies into a public property of the society. I do not believe this process will lower the social status of baseball as a national sport in Japan. This belief became a conviction when I saw the excitement and wild fever throughout the country last spring when Japan won the title of the inaugural WBC (World Baseball Classic). Baseball is a sport that can bring dreams, energy, and pride to the society and people of Japan. I became painfully aware that us baseball people should have pride and confidence about this, and it is our duty to continuously give the people dreams whereas once every 3 or 4 years when the WBC is held.

In Japan, one of the largest issues can be said as the sense of restrain by children within the society. The number of children is increasing who cannot talk about their bright futures and find their goals and dreams.