Japanese former big leaguers counsel HS students prepping to visit US

On Aug. 22, a lecture featuring MLB legends was held in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture -- the same prefecture that Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi are from. The event was part of "TEAM IWATE -- on the World Stage," a next-generation talent development program celebrating both the 150th anniversary of Iwate Prefecture's establishment and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Iwate Nippon newspaper. Former big leaguers Takashi Saito and Akinori Iwamura took the stage to speak to 50 high school students and youth from the area to promote "regional revitalization open to the world."

After learning about Iwate's industries and history as part of their preparation, participating students will visit the U.S.'s west coast. In addition to experiencing local culture and society, they will deliver speeches expressing gratitude for post-disaster support and sharing Iwate's charms during this 15th milestone year since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Held as part of the preparatory curriculum, this lecture was organized through a collaboration among Iwate Prefecture, Major League Baseball, and the Iwate Nippo Company.

"Survival of the fittest, does anyone know what that means?" Takashi Saito asked to open the discussion. He explained the concept from evolutionary theory that those who adapt to their environment survive . He said it was a phrase that he always emphasized to players during his coaching tenure with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and Yokohama DeNA BayStars after retiring as an active player.

However, he stressed that simply adapting to one's environment is not enough. The key is discovering how to display your own unique strengths within that environment.

"Every single one of you possesses an incredible ability that I don't have, and that the friend sitting next to you doesn't have either," Saito said. "Right now, some of you might still be searching for what that ability is. But identifying that power and expressing it -- I believe that is what's truly important."

After moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006, Saito adjusted his pitching delivery to adapt to MLB mounds, resulting in increased velocity and establishing himself as a dominant closer. It was a message backed by his own personal experience.

Furthermore, Saito emphasized the need to "select and discard information," something he became acutely aware of during the final years of his playing career. Not just in baseball, but in modern digital society, information is everywhere. He encouraged the students to treasure their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas when processing the events happening right before their eyes.

Iwamura spoke next, offering passionate encouragement while looking back on his journey from his amateur days through his professional career and eventual jump to MLB.

When he was a high-school senior competing on the All-Japan High School Select Team, Iwamura faced overseas teams for the first time, witnessing the high level of international play. Even after turning pro, competing in the Japan-MLB All-Star Series after the regular season gave him a firsthand taste of top-tier talent, sparking his desire to reach higher.

"In the past, I once made three errors in a single inning," Iwamura recalled. "But by practicing defense every single day after that, I went on to win six Gold Glove Awards in Nippon Professional Baseball. Experiencing the greatness of overseas players allowed me to set high goals and improve. Looking beyond your local prefecture or country to the world is extremely important."

Iwamura shared a motto he holds dear: *"Nanikuso"* (a Japanese phrase conveying grit and a "never-say-die" spirit), passed down to him by his former Tokyo Yakult mentor, Futoshi Nakanishi. Iwamura added the word "spirit" to it, explaining that he approached every challenge with a *"Nanikuso-damashii"* (never-give-up spirit).

"Hard times are what build your foundation. To make your dreams come true, I think there are things you inevitably have to sacrifice. As students, you'll face tough moments in your academics and club activities. I'm not recommending that you seek out suffering, but if you hit a wall, remember these words. Beyond gritting your teeth and pushing through, a great flower will bloom."

During the Q&A session, the legends answered questions from the students preparing for their trip.

When asked how he overcame the language barrier, Saito revealed that when he first arrived in the U.S. on a Minor League contract, he didn't have an interpreter. He actively made an effort to communicate by writing down one word or phrase a day in his notebook to convey to his managers and coaches.

Iwamura shared that from the moment he set his sights on MLB, he started going out to eat with foreign teammates in Japan to increase his opportunities to speak English.

"It's OK to make mistakes," Iwamura advised. "The most important thing is to speak up yourself. If people see that you're trying to communicate, they will listen with warmth and patience. Don't be shy -- take the leap and challenge yourselves."

When asked about the best part of experiencing America, both responded that simply going, including experiencing the local culture and handling unexpected mishaps, becomes a lifelong asset. Iwamura shared anecdotes of uniquely overseas experiences, such as canceled flights and lost luggage at airports.

To close, both legends offered warm final words: "Everything you experience will definitely connect to your future, so go with a broad perspective and take on new challenges."

Near the end of the event came a pleasant surprise: video messages were broadcast from Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel of the Los Angeles Angels, whose stadium the students plan to visit during their trip. Additionally, Major League Baseball presented the students with gift cards to use at Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium.

Following the lecture, an Iwate Prefectural official remarked that "By hearing directly from Takashi Saito and Akinori Iwamura, who succeeded in MLB, I believe the students were able to visualize what it will be like in America and clarify their purpose for going."

The official added: "We hope this program, including the preparatory studies, serves as an opportunity for them to think about their future paths and careers."

The participating students shared enthusiastic reflections on their upcoming trip. Though their backgrounds varied -- some had overseas experience while others did not, with interests ranging from architecture to sports -- hearing the legends' firsthand accounts raised their motivation and focus:

"Even trouble becomes a meaningful experience when you look back on it," one student said. "I want to challenge myself over there without fear."

"When it comes to architecture, which I'm interested in, there are things you can't understand unless you see them with your own eyes. I want to value what I feel in the moment," said the other.

Carrying the messages received from these baseball legends, the students are filled with anticipation. Following in the footsteps of Iwate predecessors like Yusei Kikuchi, Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Rintaro Sasaki, they are ready to broaden their horizon from Iwate to the world and step forward into new challenges.