A trajectory of determination and dedication: Yusei Kikuchi’s style as a leader loved beyond language barriers

Yusei Kikuchi is two years senior to Shohei Otani at Hanamaki Higashi High School. The reason he attracted attention as a super high school left-handed player was not just because of his outstanding talent. Kikuchi’s true charm lies in his interpersonal skills. During his high school days, he developed a strong philosophy: “As long as you wear No. 1 on your back, you have to be the best at everything you do.” This was not only reflected in his pitching on the mound, but also in his daily life. He spoke louder than anyone else, ran harder than anyone else, and continued to make steady efforts more than anyone else. A symbolic example of this is his thorough cleaning of the toilets for three years. #Yusei Kikuchi #Shohei Otani VOICEVOX: Ryusei Aoyama