Playback ’04] Shigeo Nagashima’s Passion for Athens… Four months after his emergency hospitalization, “Miracle of Rehabilitation”.

What did “FRIDAY” report 10, 20, and 30 years ago? In “Playback Friday,” we take a look back at the topics that were popular at the time. This time, we bring you “Shigeo Nagashima, Olympic team manager, ‘to Athens,’ and his miraculous rehabilitation” from the July 23, 2004 issue, which was published 20 years ago.

In March 2004, Shigeo Nagashima, then 68, the “Mr.” Nagashima who led Japan’s dream team for the Athens Olympics, was hospitalized in an emergency due to a stroke. Although he was reportedly making a “miraculous recovery,” his condition was still unknown. In July, one month before Athens, Nagashima’s condition became a matter of national concern.

Nagashima’s arms flexed and his legs raised and crossed.

It has been more than four months since Mr. Nagashima suffered a stroke. During that time, he has been recovering well and was able to leave the hospital in mid-May. However, his subsequent condition was shrouded in a thick veil, with only word through his eldest son, Kazushige, and the Giants’ public relations department that his rehabilitation was going well. This magazine caught a glimpse of Mr. Kazushige’s “miraculous rehabilitation.

One day in June, in a room of an ultra-luxury condominium in Tokyo. He was wearing a T-shirt and training pants and sitting on a chair. A walking stick was propped up in his hand. Although his right hand was hanging from his shoulder, he made a fist with his left hand, flexed his arms, and lifted and folded his legs, moving quite aggressively.

His desire to compete in Athens is probably what motivates him. When he was first admitted to the hospital, he did not seem to understand the situation he was in, but now he is actively engaged in rehabilitation. Currently, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist are providing onsite rehabilitation services. In addition, we have a thorough team approach to medical care, with the doctor in a management role, nurses, caseworkers, and others holding conferences to decide on policies for treatment and rehabilitation. Since the patient has never been sick, she seems to be itching to move, and sometimes exceeds the normal rehabilitation time,” said an official at the Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital.

True to his word, Mr. Kato did gait training in his room and pedaled slowly on his aerobike with his right leg, which is still paralyzed, fastened to the pedals with a belt. He also received massages to loosen his stiffened joints, and worked hard on his rehabilitation. His appearance fully conveyed his desire to revive himself.

The room used for rehabilitation was a million-dollar condominium that had just been completed the previous year. The room where Mr. Akiko was staying was a three-bedroom, barrier-free apartment with a living and dining area of 19.5 tatami mats, priced at just under 200 million yen. The rehabilitation was being conducted in such a favorable environment, supported by Mrs. Akiko, Mr. Kazushige, and other family members. There was a plan to have Mr. Nagashima on the bench to encourage the players at the send-off games against Cuba on July 13 and 14, which would mark the start of Nagashima Japan’s tour of duty.

Mr. Kiro Osafune, chairman of the Japan National Team Organizing Committee, stated, “We hope to reach a decision around July 10 after consulting with the doctor. Kazushige is also discussing a concrete plan to have Mr. Kikichiro’s benching realized, saying, “We are also talking about having uniforms made that would not look funny even with his arm hanging up. Since Mr. Nagashima is the person who is closest to Mr. Nagashima, it does not seem impossible that Mr. Nagashima will be in charge of the team in Athens. However, one of the doctors in charge of his rehabilitation points out the dangers of going to Athens in his current condition.

The long plane ride and the change in atmospheric pressure can affect blood pressure and cause a recurrence. It is also doubtful whether the doctors will be able to establish a complete backup system in Athens. If possible, it would be best for him not to go to Athens, but to stay in Tokyo as an honorary director.

However, Nagafune was adamant that Nagashima Japan would go to Athens, and he categorically rejected the idea of appointing a coach other than Mr. Nagashima to lead the team. Is there no doubt that Mr. Nagafune will lead the team in Athens? In early July, just after the announcement of Japan’s national team members, this magazine directly interviewed Mr. Nagafune.

“Actually, a few days ago, I talked directly with Director Nagashima on the phone. I encouraged him, saying, ‘I’m registered as a director. He is still paralyzed in his right arm, but I encouraged him, saying, ‘You can walk alone. He is still paralyzed in his right arm, but he said, ‘I can walk by myself now. He is still paralyzed in his right arm, but he is able to walk by himself and doesn’t need a cane anymore. He is now receiving Chinese acupuncture treatment. He says he will consult with Akiko, Kazushige, and the rest of the family, as well as the doctor, and leave the final decision to me. So, I’ll go ahead with Nagashima as originally planned.

Will Mr. Nagashima, who has been working hard on his rehabilitation, be able to show us a “make-me-miracle” in Athens?

In the end, however, Mr. Nagashima’s wish did not come true. At a press conference held on August 2, Kazushige said, “I just couldn’t take the risk of going to Athens. Head coach Kiyoshi Nakahata (then 50) took command of the national team.

The Japanese baseball team for the Athens Olympics was a “dream team” made up entirely of professional players for the first time, although the team was limited to two players from each baseball team. In the preliminary league, the team went through to the top with a brilliant record of 6 wins and 1 loss, including the first defeat of Cuba in the Olympics. However, they lost to Australia in the semifinals and ended up winning the bronze medal.

On July 3, 2005, Mr. Kubota made his first appearance in front of fans at the Tokyo Dome for the Giants vs. Hiroshima game, and his smile, unchanged for a year and four months, was met with applause and cheers from the stands.

Mr. Nagashima also made a surprise appearance at the “Shigeo Nagashima Day” special game held at Tokyo Dome in May this year to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Giants, much to the delight of the fans.