Japan's World Baseball Classic (WBC) triumph in March sparked national interest.

Even someone like myself, who doesn't often watch live baseball games, was captivated by the intense games. In this high stress situation, Samurai Japan's total team effort and faultless performance were truly remarkable. I was also impressed by team manager KURIYAMA Hideki's ability to have faith in his players and to communicate his confidence to them to get the best of them.

Every game was worth watching, but I thought the championship game against the USA, which proceeded under tremendous pressure, was exceptional. And it was OHTANI Shohei's words before the game that allowed the Japanese players, including a 20-year-old who had played as a professional player for only two seasons (since his graduation from high school), to perform to their full potential.

Ohtani, who is undoubtedly one of Japan's best players and has achieved superstar status in Major League Baseball, gave a pre-game speech that was shared widely on the team's social media accounts.

“Allow me to say just one thing,” said Ohtani, as his teammates gathered in a circle in the locker room.

“Let’s stop admiring them. Goldschmidt is in first base, Mike Trout is in centre, and Mookie Betts is in the outfield. They are great players that everyone has heard of, if you play baseball. But just for today …. If you admire them, you can’t surpass them. We came here to surpass them, to reach the top. For this one day, let’s throw away our admiration for them and just think about winning.”

He delivered the speech with great enthusiasm and big smile, followed by an energetic shout, “Let's go!”

I have said in this column numerous times, that we shouldn’t give our opponents too much respect. No matter how renowned and star-studded the opponents are, the game always begins nil to nil and is played under the same rules. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and your teammates, and to exert all of your efforts towards victory. Ohtani's words contained a message that goes beyond the game of baseball, and can be applied to all sports, all social activities, and life in general. Who wouldn't be inspired by these words?

Even more impressive was the attitude displayed by the Japanese players after they had won a tight 3-2 ballgame.

The Japanese players rushed the mound and jumped for joy when Ohtani struck out Trout, his Los Angeles Angels teammate and the US national team captain, to seal the victory. But they soon lined up and took their hats off to thank the fans. It was said that their appearance touched the hearts of not only the fans in the stadium, but also those who were watching the game on television across the United States. It was also reported that the Japanese bench was left spotless, earning even more praise from the American fans.

It is important to keep in mind that Japan’s opponents have showed them the same respect. The American players all appeared disappointed by the defeat, but applauded the Japanese team, and the crowd in the stadium praised both teams.

Even though I only witnessed just a part of it, I think the WBC was a tournament full of respect. The players were seen interacting with each other before the game, with comments of mutual respect being made afterwards.

As a fellow Japanese, I am very proud that the Japanese players were at the centre of this wonderful tournament and how they continued to show the spirit of respect on various occasions. However, respect is not a competition. I think all the players who took part in this WBC taught us that respect for each other makes everyone a winner.

Written by OSUMI Yoshiyuki (Football Journalist)

*This article was originally posted on the Japan Football Association Newsletter, “JFAnews,” April 2023 edition.

Japan Football Association Newsletter “JFAnews”

The Japan Football Association Newsletter “JFAnews” contains all the information on the Japan National Team, events hosted by JFA, tournament results, and team information throughout the nation. The official monthly magazine is a must read for coaches, referees, and all members of the football family.

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