[Rakuten Eagles] Japan Women's Rugby National Team player Ayasa Otsuka to throw the ceremonial first pitch at 'SEINAN Day' on Thursday, April 2!

Rakuten Baseball, Inc. (Headquarters: Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture; President: Masayuki Morii) is pleased to announce that Ayasa Otsuka of the Japan Women's Rugby National Team will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the 'SEINAN Day' game, sponsored by Seinan Shoji Co., Ltd., against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks on Thursday, April 2. Additionally, fellow Japan Women's Rugby National Team player Ayano Sakurai will also be in attendance, joining Ms. Otsuka for appearances on stage and on the radio.

Date: Thursday, April 2, vs. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks [Game starts at 13:00] Around 12:58 ■ Location: Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, on the mound ■ Profile: Ayasa Otsuka ・Date of Birth: May 5, 1999 ・Birthplace: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture ・Affiliation: ARUKAS QUEEN KUMAGAYA Earned her first national team cap in 2019 against Italy. A versatile back who controls the game with sharp runs, accurate kicking, and calm judgment. Competed in two consecutive World Cups in 2021 and 2025. ■ Comment from Ayasa Otsuka Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I am a little nervous, but I want to enjoy the moment with everyone at the stadium and give it my best pitch! ■ Profile: Ayano Sakurai ・Date of Birth: April 15, 1996 ・Birthplace: Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture ・Affiliation: Yokogawa Musashino Artemi-Stars Earned her first national team cap at age 19 in 2015 against Hong Kong. A key pillar who supports the team with abundant stamina and dedicated tackling. Overcame repeated injuries to return to the national team and competed in the 2017 and 2025 World Cups. ■ Comment from Ayano Sakurai I am very honored to have this valuable opportunity. I hope to enjoy this special moment together with everyone at the venue. Thank you!