It will be 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake on the 11th.
In the second year of professional baseball Lotte, who was born in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture and lost his father and grandparents in the earthquake, pitcher Roki Sasaki told reporters in advance that "March 11 is a special day every year. . 10 years doesn't change and I'll never forget. "
Lotte's pitcher Sasaki was born in Rikuzentakata, which was devastated by the tsunami, and lost his father and grandparents and completely destroyed his home.
On the 7th, 10 years before the earthquake on the 11th of this month, pitcher Sasaki responded to media coverage.
In this, pitcher Sasaki said, "March 11 is a special day every year. 10 years does not change and I will never forget it."
In Rikuzentakata City, reconstruction is steadily progressing, with the reconstruction of a local baseball stadium last July.
Pitcher Sasaki said, "It's a little bit, but I'm very happy that the reconstruction is moving forward as I see the changes. I hope I can move forward even further." I overlaid them.
On top of that, "10 years ago, I was supported by many people, and I could only do my best while receiving courage and hope, but now I think I am in a position to give courage and hope. I can't return, so I want to concentrate on that first. I want to throw a lot in the game and play an active part, and I will do my best so that I can deliver courage and hope to many people. "
Pitcher Sasaki is scheduled to go up to the mound of the actual battle for the first time as a professional in the open game with China and Japan on the 12th.
Motohiro Shima's words have power
Immediately after the earthquake, the speech given by Motohiro Shima, who was the chairman of Rakuten, is still impressive.
In 2011, when the earthquake struck, the start of the professional baseball season was delayed by nearly three weeks, so each team played a charity match as part of their support for the affected areas.
Currently, Shima, who plays for Yakult, was the chairman of Rakuten at that time, and was affected by the disaster by calling out "Let's show, the strength of baseball" at the charity match held on April 2, 10 years ago. Encouraged those who did.
Pitcher Sasaki, who was in the 4th grade of elementary school, said that Shima's speech still left an impression on him. I think it was very impressive. "
After that, when asked what kind of appearance the Tohoku fans would like to see, "I think it is important not to give up anything and do your best, so please look at the attitude of not giving up and the attitude of doing your best. I was talking.