2025 Senbatsu Kicks Off! A Final Look at the ‘Big 3’ Pitchers – Plus Yokohama’s Super Freshman

Genki Ishigaki, Kentai Takasaki (rising junior)

Kendai Takasaki (Gunma), boasting arguably the best training facilities in Japan, echoed with the sound of bursting fastballs in its bullpen. Ahead of the opening of the Senbatsu tournament, the school’s ace right-hander, Genki Ishigaki, was firing his signature fastballs toward the catcher’s mitt as they pursued back-to-back championships.

It’s a rare opportunity to observe the pitching of the top pitcher of his generation from behind the catcher. Last fall, he recorded a speed of 158 km/h—though he laughs it off as a measurement error. However, the quality of his fastball when it fully connects with his fingers draws comparisons to Hiroto Takahashi (22, currently with Chunichi) during his days at Chukyo University Chukyo High School.

“I really look up to Takahashi. Of course, speed is important, but I think my strengths are also the sharpness and carry of my pitches. Since it’s still just spring, there are areas where I’m not fully developed yet. I want to use this Senbatsu as a stepping stone for the summer,” he said.

Ishigaki has experience on the mound in all games of last year’s victorious spring Senbatsu, as well as in last summer’s tournament, where he was the losing pitcher in the second-round match against Chiben Gakuen (Nara). This marks his third appearance at the sacred ground of Koshien.

“I believe I have more experience than anyone else. On the Koshien mound, the batter feels much closer, making it really easy to pitch. The crowd is also close, which makes it even more exciting than usual stadiums,” Ishigaki commented.

Ishigaki has a rival—his teammate, left-hander Ryuga Sato of Kendai Takasaki. Sato, who wore the U-15 Samurai Japan uniform during his days with the Tokyo Jonan Boys, turned down offers from prestigious powerhouses like Osaka Toin and instead chose Takasaki. On the other hand, Ishigaki, born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, was relatively unknown during middle school, and Kendai Takasaki was the only out-of-prefecture school that reached out to him.

“Of course, I knew Sato was coming to the school, but since we’re different types—right-handed and left-handed—I wasn’t feeling competitive in a negative way; rather, I was excited about coming to Takasaki,” he said.

In last year’s Senbatsu final, Sato relieved Ishigaki and was the pitcher on the mound when the team celebrated their championship win. However, last summer, he developed pain in his left elbow and, considering his future, decided to undergo Tommy John surgery. In this Senbatsu tournament, he will only be able to participate as a pinch hitter or pinch runner, but his presence as a teammate aiming for a summer comeback has been a major source of motivation for Ishigaki’s growth.

“We are rivals, but it’s not like we’re always clashing (laughs). We get along really well, and I also hope for Sato’s recovery. But I don’t want to give up the No. 1 jersey,” he declared.

Ishigaki has already expressed his intention to enter the professional draft, aiming to be selected without going through college or the corporate leagues. When asked about his vision as a pitcher, he responded:

“I want to refine my fastball, and eventually, I aim to be the fastest pitcher in the world.”

The fastest recorded pitch in history was 105 mph (169.1 km/h) by Aroldis Chapman (37, Red Sox), meaning Ishigaki has set his sights on reaching 170 km/h. At first, this may sound like an overambitious remark from a high schooler, but he is entirely serious.

“I feel like I’m gradually getting closer to my ideal as a pitcher, but right now, I still have a lot to improve in terms of how I use my body. I don’t think it’s an impossible number,” he said.

His favorite foods are meat and ramen. Whenever traveling long distances by bus, he always listens to music. His current favorite is “Ikuoku Kōnen” by Omoinotake, which was chosen as the entrance march song for this year’s Senbatsu tournament. Even off the field, he envisions himself standing on the mound at Koshien, preparing for his first-round matchup against Meitoku Gijuku (Kochi) on March 18, in the tournament’s third game of the opening day.

“This time, I want to be on the mound at the moment of victory. To achieve that, I want to get revenge on Yokohama High School, who defeated us in the Kanto tournament final last fall.”