[Rakuten Eagles] Women's Japan Rugby Representative Ayasa Otsuka to Appear for First Pitch at "SEINAN Day" on April 2nd (Thursday)!

Rakuten Baseball, Inc. (Headquarters: Miyagino-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, President and Representative Director: Masayoshi Morii) is pleased to announce that Ayasa Otsuka, a player for the Women's Japan Rugby National Team, will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the "SEINAN Day" sponsored by Seinan Shoji Co., Ltd. for the game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on Thursday, April 2nd.

Additionally, Ayano Sakurai, also a player for the Women's Japan Rugby National Team, will be in attendance on the same day and will appear on stage and on the radio with Ms. Otsuka.

＜April 2nd (Thursday) Ayasa Otsuka First Pitch Details＞

Date: Thursday, April 2nd, Game against Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks [Game starts at 13:00] Approximately 12:58 PM

Location: Rakuten Mobile Miyagi Stadium Mound

Ayasa Otsuka Player Profile

・Date of Birth: May 5, 1999

・Hometown: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

・Affiliation: ARUKAS QUEEN KUMAGAYA

Earned her first cap for the Japan national team in a match against Italy in 2019.

An all-around back player who controls the game with sharp runs, accurate kicks, and calm decision-making.

Participated in the World Cup in 2021 and 2025, appearing in two consecutive tournaments.

Ayasa Otsuka Player Comment

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I'm a little nervous, but I want to enjoy it with everyone at the stadium and throw with all my might!

Ayano Sakurai Player Profile

・Date of Birth: April 15, 1996

・Hometown: Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture

・Affiliation: Yokogawa Musashino Artemi Stars

Earned her first cap for the Japan national team at the age of 19 in a match against Hong Kong in 2015.

A cornerstone player who supports the team with abundant energy and dedicated tackles.

Returned to the national team after overcoming repeated injuries and participated in the World Cups in 2017 and 2025.

Ayano Sakurai Player Comment

I am deeply honored to have this valuable opportunity. I hope to enjoy this special moment together with everyone in the venue. Thank you!

Ms. Otsuka...