All-Out at the World Cup — Genki Ishigaki of Kendai Takasaki Reflects on the Global Challenge

Before the World Cup began, the only second-year student on the roster — Ryosuke Sueyoshi, the 150 km/h (93 mph) left-handed pitcher from Okinawa Shogaku — was chosen as the ace of Japan’s high school national team. Still, no matter how broad and dependable his back seemed, wasn’t it too heavy a burden for a 16-year-old to carry? Those pre-tournament concerns, however, proved completely unfounded. The star of the summer refused to give up his spotlight — even on the world stage.

Part 1: “All I thought about was proving my belief” — Ryosuke Sueyoshi, Okinawa Shogaku
 ‘What we must do to compete on the world stage’

 

Even while continuing to perform on the biggest stage, he says, “I never burn out.”

After Japan went undefeated through eight games in the Super Round and secured a spot in the final, Sueyoshi reflected on facing the powerful American lineup once again:

“I thought they were really strong against fastballs, but I felt like my fastball was jamming them — that it was working.”

In the final — his second matchup against the U.S., whose lineup could easily be called a group of future major leaguers — Sueyoshi attacked the inside corner with his trademark straight fastballs and sharp sliders. However, compared to their previous meeting three days earlier, his control was less precise.

“Early on, I couldn’t get my control right. I realized how quickly a few walks and base runners can ruin a game.”

Sueyoshi left the mound in the fourth inning after allowing one run on five hits. That single run would ultimately cost Japan its bid for back-to-back championships.

In the summer of his second year, Sueyoshi became Japan’s national champion at Koshien and, though he fell just short of the world title, earned a silver medal at the World Cup. He had stood on every stage a high school baseball player could dream of — and gathered countless honors along the way.

“I got to see how motivated Japan’s top players are, and their dedication really left an impression on me. I was especially grateful to Yorito Okumura from Yokohama High, who looked after me and gave me advice on my pitching form. I feel like I was able to learn and absorb a lot.”

The rare and powerful left-hander, known for his sharp slider, also learned a new weapon during the tournament — a changeup — from Kazuki Nishimura (Kyoto Kokusai High), who shared his signature pitch with him.

“I still have plenty of room to grow.”

With the biennial World Cup — the tournament to decide the best in the world — now over, Sueyoshi has no time to rest before setting his sights once again on the summit of Japanese baseball.

“I want to play baseball at an even higher level. That’s why I never burn out. Someday, I’ll become the best in the world — and settle the score.”

Declared his intention to pursue a professional career — and nothing else

And guarding the mound as the closer for “Sueyoshi Japan” was Genki Ishigaki (Kendai Takasaki High), whose fastball clocked in at a blazing 158 km/h (98 mph). Taking the mound in the middle of the fourth inning of the final, he allowed one run, but his fastball was every bit as powerful as those thrown by the American pitchers.

“When the ball came off my fingers right, it worked. I usually get too fired up, and that affects my pitching, but this time I focused on calming myself down and throwing with composure.”

Kendai Takasaki had been eliminated in the first round of that summer’s Koshien tournament by Kyoto Kokusai. Although Ishigaki threw a 155 km/h (96 mph) fastball — the fastest ever recorded at Koshien since the introduction of radar guns — his two scoreless innings left him feeling unfulfilled.

“At the World Cup, I was finally able to give everything I had,” he said with a laugh.

While many promising high school players, including captain Yota Abe, planned to go to college, Ishigaki made it clear that his goal was to go pro straight out of high school — “I’m going all in on a professional career.” The NPB Draft on October 23 was just over a month away.

“Right now, I want to take a moment to calm down. My pitching isn’t yet at a level that can compete on the world stage. First, I want to build my strength in Japan’s pro leagues, and eventually, I want to play in the majors — to become a pitcher who can represent Japan.”

Though the spotlight at the World Cup may have belonged to Sueyoshi, all eyes will be on Ishigaki when the draft arrives.

From the October 3-10, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”