Exclusive Part 2! Shintaro Fujinami, who moved to the Athletics, talks about Shohei Otani, his family and his marriage

When you say “Japanese Major Leaguers,” the earliest memory that comes to mind is …….

This season, three new Japanese major leaguers were born. One of them, Shintaro Fujinami, 28, who joined the Oakland Athletics, says his “earliest memory” is of Hideo Nomo, 54.

I remember the Tornado at Dodger Stadium on a day game,” Fujinami said. I also have a vivid memory of Ichiro (49) playing well. Hideki Matsui (48) left a deep impression on me. I was surprised that he was going to the Yankees. I was so surprised. I can remember scenes like the “Game Seven” with the Red Sox and Matsui playing a big role in the postseason.

The Athletics belong to the West Division of the American League, the same division as Shohei Ohtani (28, Angels), who is already a top major leaguer. When asked at his press conference, Fujinami replied humbly, “He is one of the best players in the world,” and “I know there are Japanese fans who are looking forward to seeing him, so if I get a chance, I would like to give it my best shot. I’ll respect all of them,” he joked. He was trying to get a laugh by humiliating himself, but his pride was evident in his words when he spoke one-on-one with a reporter for this magazine in a corner of Tokyo where no one from the …… press corps was present.

–Do you keep in touch with Otani?

No, I have not.

–Do you have his contact information?

Yes, I do.

–Has he contacted you?

No, I haven’t. I’d like to talk to him in the U.S. if I have a chance. If you have a chance to talk to me in the U.S., I would like to know more about …….

We are not friends. Even though it has been 10 years since they became professionals, and no matter how much their positions have changed, they are rivals who are intensely aware of each other.