Did you know? Increasingly,talented Japanese baseball players are choosing to hone their skills in the United States before pursuing professional careers in either MLB or Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Kyushu International university High School’s former captain, takuto Miyake, is the latest example of this trend, announcing January 16, 2026, that he will study abroad at Eastern Arizona University this fall to continue his baseball career.
Ichiro’s encouragement: “Do It While You’re Young”
the decision by the strong-hitting infielder, Takuto Miyake, stemmed from a conversation with baseball legend ichiro last November. Miyake, summoning his courage to share his plans for studying in the United States, received a warm reply: “It’s definitely going to be arduous at first, but it will broaden your horizons and make you love Japan even more. It’s better to do it while you’re young.”
Ichiro also imparted a weighty message, emphasizing, “It’s because of the Japanese people who are active in the United States that you were evaluated.” He urged Miyake to recognize himself as a representative of Japan, stating, “I have no choice but to do it.”
Inspired by Shotaro Morii, Receiving Offers from Eight Schools
Miyake, who grew up in Kawasaki and played for the prestigious Musashi Fuchu Little in the Kanto region, was selected by Yokohama DeNA Junior in the sixth grade. The idea of competing in the United States was first sparked by his senior teammate, Shotaro Morii, a Toho High School graduate who signed with the Athletics after high school.However, Miyake ultimately decided to study abroad after a suggestion from coach Yusuke Kusugi. After submitting playing videos, he received offers from eight schools, ultimately choosing Eastern Arizona university due to favorable terms, and will be the first Japanese player on the university’s baseball team.
The 180cm, 84kg shortstop, who hit No. 4 in his second year and has a total of 15 home runs in high school, is known for his “wide-angle batting and competitive strength,” confidently stating, “I’m confident that I can beat fast pitches.” Last summer, his team finished runner-up in the Fukuoka National High School Baseball Championship.
