【WBC Special Feature】Munenori Kawasaki Recalls Memorable Moment During Ichiro’s At-Bat

Munenori Kawasaki (Back-to-Back Champion in 2006 and 2009)
The Mentor Who Inspired the “Divine Hand Slide”

“When I was selected for the first WBC team 20 years ago, my immediate thought was, ‘Oh no, this is the worst.’ Honestly. At the time, I was playing for the SoftBank Hawks, in my third year as a regular after finally establishing myself the previous season. In Japan, they say, ‘You’re only truly one of us after three years,’ so I was fired up to prove myself. The WBC was scheduled just before the season opener in March, and I was genuinely worried about how it might affect my season. But the national team manager was Sadaharu Oh (85), who was also managing SoftBank. When he said, ‘Go,’ I had no choice but to go (laughs).” — Munenori Kawasaki

Kawasaki (44), who played shortstop in the first WBC in ’06 and third base in the second WBC in ’09, reluctantly accepted the call but quickly found his mindset shifting.

“I was saved simply because Ichiro (52) was participating. Wearing the same uniform and playing alongside Ichiro, who I had admired since before turning pro, completely energized me.

I wasn’t the only young player in awe of Ichiro. There was a kind of scramble among the young players to get close to him: Tsuyoshi Nishioka (41), Toshihiro Imae (42), Norichika Aoki (44), and me. Ichiro must have had a hard time dealing with all these kids. Eventually, he invited me to meals, and every conversation there was fun and incredibly stimulating.”

It was during the final against Cuba, while honing his skills under Ichiro’s guidance, that Kawasaki produced a highlight. In the top of the ninth, Kawasaki was on second base and dashed home on Ichiro’s single to right. The timing was tight, but on instinct, he twisted his right hand under the catcher’s knee, scoring a crucial run. This “Divine Hand Slide” became legendary—a play born from his mentor’s influence.

“When Ichiro was hitting, I couldn’t not try to score. I just ran with all my heart—I don’t even remember the signs or the lead-offs. All I remember is running under extreme tension.

Honestly, the first Samurai Japan didn’t have team cohesion. At the dining hall, everyone was doing their own thing. With such strong personalities, unity was impossible. But each player performed professionally, and we won. I thought, ‘These guys are strong.’ The second WBC was the same.

A central figure is always necessary. Ichiro was that figure in the first and second tournaments. Everyone rallied around him. In the previous WBC, Shohei Ohtani (31) took on that central role. I could sense that team dynamic, and it was fantastic.”

In the 2026 WBC, Samurai Japan will attempt to repeat the consecutive wins achieved in 2009 with Kawasaki and his peers.

“Having many Major League players on the team is very reassuring. Real-time, first-hand information is invaluable—things beyond the field, even small details, can be shared, so players don’t waste energy worrying about them. And one thing I want to say: the players don’t have to carry the weight of representing Japan on their shoulders. Don’t be obsessed with wins or losses. WBC is just one part of life. The current players take pride in being selected for Samurai Japan and participating in the WBC. If they play with that spirit and integrity, I’ll be happy and cheering for them.”

From the March 13-20, 2026 issue of “FRIDAY”