【特集｜プロ野球】上越市出身の西武・滝澤夏央選手「越後の牛若丸」5年目へ向け オフトレに密着【新潟】スーパーJにいがた1月22日OA

Joetsu City native and Saitama Seibu Lions player Natsuo Takizawa made a breakthrough in the first-team lineup in 2025. We spoke exclusively to him about his aspirations for his fifth season and further growth this season. ■Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "I'll do my best to contribute to the team's victory. Thank you for your support." Natsuo Takizawa is in his fourth year with the Saitama Seibu Lions. Despite being only 164cm tall, he made a significant impact at second base and shortstop last season, establishing himself on the first team. He played in 125 games and was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time, making it a breakthrough year for him. January 2025, after the season ended. We followed him closely as he trained at the gym he runs every offseason in his hometown of Joetsu City. Takizawa's trainer is Yu Okazaki, a Joetsu City native. This gym is equipped with the latest equipment, similar to that found in professional teams. In fact, it was Takizawa himself who inspired him to build it. ■ Trainer Yu Okazaki "Supporting athletes has always been my dream, so I've always wanted to run my own gym. When Takizawa asked me to support him with his personal training, I decided to give it my all and support him." ■ Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "It's rare to find a gym with such great equipment, and I'm always grateful that it's in my hometown." Watching him train, I noticed something unique: While some athletes focus on lifting weights and strength training during the off-season, he focuses on training with relatively light weights, checking each movement one by one. ■ Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "It changes from day to day, so if I'm fatigued, my range of motion (is reduced). Sometimes I feel like, 'Today's something's not quite right.'" ■ Announcer Yuki Oishi "Does (the light weights) serve as a confirmation?" ■ Trainer Yu Okazaki "It's important to do the same thing during warm-ups. Talk to your body and ask yourself, 'My right shoulder isn't working today. Why?'" As we compete in a long season, Takizawa is constantly conscious of "knowing his own body." During a training session where he stands on a hemispherical platform to improve his balance, we get a glimpse of Takizawa's incredible abilities. This training is more difficult than it looks, and even Oishi had a chance to try it out. ■Announcer Yuki Oishi "It's hard to maintain balance, and you can't get into position without a strong core." ■Trainer Yu Okazaki "He has a great sense, so when he does it, he immediately knows, 'Is this the right feeling?'" ■Announcer Yuki Oishi "Is he quick to grab the ball?" ■Trainer Yu Okazaki "He's quick. He has a keen sense." "Natural instincts" and "body balance." He further honed these tools, and his signature brilliant "defense" showed great growth last season. Last season, he made a string of fine plays at shortstop and second base, key infield positions, saving the team from trouble on multiple occasions. ■ Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "I made a lot of defensive plays that gave me a lot of confidence. With the speed of the first-string players and the incredible hitters, I was able to read the game and sense when the ball would come. I think being able to think like that has given me a lot of confidence, in a good way." This time, we were given a special look at the glove that has supported his defense. ■ Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "Some gloves have the thumb closed or open too much, so it's difficult to shape the angle." ■ Announcer Yuki Oishi "Do you change your glove depending on your position?" ■ Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "I haven't changed my glove. Once I find one, I can't let it go, and I feel uncomfortable if I'm not using it, so I keep using it. It's my most treasured piece of baseball equipment, and I'm always grateful for its help." Last season, Takizawa produced numerous fine plays with his partner. Among them, his personal favorite play was... ■Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "The last play I made was when I threw a grounder from Rakuten between first and second base to second base. When the ball came between first and second base, I was imagining getting an out, but while chasing the ball, I realized I could see the runner on first base. It was a play I could make while I could see the runner." While feeling great about his defense, he also feels a sense of regret... The Golden Glove Award is given to defensive specialists. He came in second in the second base category, narrowly missing out on the award. ■Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "After playing so many games last year, my desire to win the Golden Glove Award this year is even stronger." To become one of the league's top infielders. In his crucial fifth season, he will continue to improve his skills in all areas until the start of the season. ■ Saitama Seibu Lions Natsuo Takizawa (22) "This season, I'm pre...