Shohei Otani’s “mind, technique, and body” have reached their peak. In 2026, he will be a “true Warrior” and is sure to set new records!

An amazing home run!

These two home runs were enough to make us feel why he is the best player in the world.

Shohei Ohtani, 31, the top hitter for the Samurai Japan team, which is aiming for back-to-back WBC titles, hit a grand slam in his second at-bat in the first game against Taiwan on March 6, and followed that up with a solo home run against South Korea to send Japan to a come-from-behind victory.

Takehiko Kobayakawa, a baseball commentator, was impressed by Otani’s two home runs, saying, “These two home runs were the result of his outstanding technique and overwhelming power.

In the second at-bat against Taiwan, Otani probably had his sights set on a straight line and was thrown off timing by a curveball thrown by the opposing right fielder. A normal hitter would have swiped at the ball and hit a fly ball with no power, but he used his lower body tenacity and strong torso to keep his stance and skillfully picked up the ball and carried it into the stands.

The angle of his next home run against Korea was about 40 degrees. It was what is called “too high” and would normally have been a mediocre outfield fly ball. There is no way it would have reached the stands. However, Ohtani was able to do it with his swing speed, which is created by his incredible power.

What Ohtani showed the world was not only his superb technique at bat or his astonishing physical strength. What surprised the international media was his behavior when he circled the diamond after hitting a home run against Korea.

Ohtani didn’t burst out in joy, but instead gestured to the frenzied benches and said, “Calm down. He stepped on home plate and returned to the bench, where he high-fived his teammates for the first time. and exchanged high-fives with his teammates. After bringing the team back to a calm atmosphere, which had begun to fret after taking an early lead, Otani lifted morale with his powerful words.

Mr. Kobayakawa also praised Otani for this moment in which his leadership was fully demonstrated.

If it had been me, I would have said, ‘Let’s turn the tables! or “Let’s go with the flow! but if I said those words right after tying the game, the players would become overpowered. Instead of adding more heat to an engine that was overheating, Otani chose to cool it down. I believe that he was able to say these words naturally because he has been through many rough patches on the major league stage.

Otani, who led the Samurai not only with his “skill” and “body” but also with his “heart,” is expected to be a “Warriors” player this year.

If he can maintain the good condition he showed at the WBC, it would not be surprising if he hits 60 homers and wins 10 games. Not so long ago, people would have laughed at such a feat, but now Otani is expected to achieve such a feat.

He is a man who has easily overcome high hurdles. Otani will surely surprise us again this season.

From the March 27/April 3, 2026 issue of FRIDAY