WBC Preview: Sports Caster Yuzuka Kikuchi Breaks Down Key Highlights Ahead of U.S. Final
The feeling of being swamped for the first time
“The starting lineup for Samurai Japan? The batting order… hmm, that’s a really tough one. I find myself thinking, from a fan’s perspective, what I would do. That’s always such a fun time for me.”
On being asked about the highlights of the WBC (2026 World Baseball Classic), which opens on March 5, talent Yuzuka Kikuchi (26) clasped her chin and focused her gaze, deep in thought. She currently serves as a Saturday and Sunday caster for Wasspo×MLB (NHK BS). A self-proclaimed baseball otaku, she is also known for her deep knowledge of Major League Baseball.
“I can’t believe it’s already been three years since the last tournament. Samurai Japan’s victory is still vividly in my memory. For the U.S., it was three years of humiliation, so this time, the American team is coming with an attitude of ‘we must be number one in the world.’ Their pitching roster, featuring Talic Scubal (Detroit Tigers) and Paul Skeens (Pittsburgh Pirates), is world-class. They will definitely make it to the finals.
However, due to the tournament bracket, we won’t face the U.S. until the final. Japan is likely to face Venezuela and the Dominican Republic in the quarterfinals and semifinals. There’s a pretty big hurdle before the U.S. final, and we need to get past that first.”
Without even holding reference materials, she spoke fluently—proving why she’s a respected Wasspo caster.
Kikuchi was scouted while at Meiji University and entered the entertainment industry. As a child, she was a TV fanatic who dreamed of becoming someone on TV. That passion for television would later pivot dramatically after discovering baseball.
“In my second year of university, a friend invited me to my first Tokyo Big6 Baseball League game at Jingu Stadium. I didn’t understand the rules, but the atmosphere in the stadium, everyone cheering together—it was a feeling that drew me in, and I became a real baseball fan. At that time, the Meiji University team I supported had a senior, pitcher Masato Morishita (28), join the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, and that’s when I started taking an interest in professional baseball.”
That said, Kikuchi is also known as a devoted fan of the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Scores are completely self-explanatory
“I started as a caster for Wasspo in April, the year I graduated from university, and my first co-host was Tomohiro Kuroki (52), a former Lotte ace and baseball commentator. His commentary is fiery—he was nicknamed ‘Hot Johnny’ in his playing days—but as a person, he’s incredibly warm. To me, who didn’t know left from right, he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, just do what you love and have fun.’
He really taught me things kindly, like a father. The following year, Johnny became Lotte’s pitching coach, and my next co-host was none other than Tsuyoshi Iguchi (51), who had been Lotte’s manager until the previous year. Somehow, I kept ending up around Lotte people, and before I knew it, I became a Lotte fan (laughs).”
Four years into her role as a Wasspo caster, Kikuchi’s love of baseball goes beyond that of a typical fan. During this time, she has earned a baseball knowledge certification and learned how to keep a scorebook.
“My scoring is completely self-taught. Sometimes I score games while watching them at the stadium, but since no one taught me, I’m never sure if I’m doing it right. I can’t miss a single pitch, so I focus entirely on the game. But keeping score gives me a tiny insight into how pitchers approach batters, their strategy leading up to pitches… not just the at-bat, but the whole game’s strategy and tactics. I can even get a sense of a batter’s mindset, like ‘they’re aiming for the right side.’ Doing that for three hours keeps my eyes, mind, and heart all busy. It actually takes quite a bit of stamina.”
Kikuchi also visits batting centers for fun. Her goal is to throw and hit 100 km/h pitches.
“In July 2023, I threw the ceremonial first pitch at ZOZO Marine Stadium. In practice, my max was about 65.5 km/h. During the actual pitch, I was so nervous it bounced once, but in practice, I could throw from the mound to the catcher without bouncing. I’m far from 100 km/h, but I want to do another first pitch—hopefully in the majors. Of course, that’s a dream within a dream.
As for batting, at the batting center I try my best with the slowest pitches in the corner. I once got to step into the batter’s box for work, but I flinched at a 140 km/h pitch (laughs). Hitting might not be my strong suit.”
”I don’t say that lightly.”
Kikuchi dreams of standing on a Major League mound, and last July, she gained firsthand experience covering the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta, USA.
“Of course, I was thrilled to interview Shohei Ohtani (31, Los Angeles Dodgers) in person, but I also got to watch Aaron Judge (NY Yankees) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) take batting practice from right behind the cage. They’re huge, so solidly built—it’s incredible. When they lightly swing the bat, the ball flies into the stands effortlessly. The sheer power, the stadium, the crowd… the amount of information my eyes were taking in was so overwhelming that just that experience alone feels like it could sustain me for a lifetime.”
The WBC, which gathers these world-class Major Leaguers, is about to kick off. Kikuchi explains its appeal:
“In the last tournament, Munetaka Murakami (26, Chicago White Sox) had a slump, but he hit a walk-off single in the semifinal against Mexico. Until that moment, I was thinking, ‘Maybe it’s over… we might lose,’ and I felt so frustrated with myself. In the WBC, unbelievable dramas unfold—scenarios that no one could predict. That’s why I want everyone to watch every single game without missing a moment.”
Returning to the opening topic: what will Samurai Japan’s final lineup be?
“Hmm… that’s not something I can casually say. I think I’ll be pondering it right up until the official announcement.”
Her love for baseball is unmistakably genuine.
Costume cooperation by Fanatics Japan
PHOTO： Kojiro Yamada