The naked heart of a monster has been captured on camera. This is Lotte pitcher Roki Sasaki (23), whose team has given him the go ahead to transfer to the major leagues using the posting system.

It was at the opening of the Fan Appreciation Day held at Zozo Marine Stadium on the 17th. Encouraged by Director Yoshii, he stood in front of the microphone stand in the center of the stage and addressed Taisei of fans. He returned to his original position on the left side of the stage with a smile on his face, expressing his determination and gratitude. As the fans cheered, the "Reiwa Monster"'s deeply moved expression was shown through the viewfinder. His face was moist... He looked down as if he was trying to hold back tears. He immediately looked up and regained his smile, but for just a moment, I felt like he was showing me his "naked heart."

The "Reiwa Monster" had told the team that he wanted to move to the majors since he joined the team. In his third year with the team, he achieved a perfect game with a fastball over 160 km/h and a high-speed fork. Since then, every time he took to the mound, there was a sense of expectation that he would do something incredible. Whenever I pointed my lens at him, the excitement of the perfect game was revived and I felt a rush of adrenaline.

From photographer perspective, I wanted to take some great photos of the team as they blossomed into the league champions and Japan's best, but as a person and as a baseball player, I also want this "Reiwa Monster," who experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake and overcame indescribable challenges to continue chasing his dream, to live a baseball career free of regrets.

Perhaps he had decided not to cry because he had chosen the path of chasing his dreams. Even after the interview, the "naked heart" remained in his mind. He decided to write this column while remembering the hit song "naked heart" by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter he loves. (DailySports, Kaide Maki)