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

Key facts

  • [Rakuten Eagles] Women's Japan Rugby Representative Ayasa Otsuka to Appear for First Pitch at "SEINAN Day" on April 2nd (Thursday)!
  • Rakuten Eagles invites Women's Japan Rugby Representative Ayasa Otsuka for the first pitch at "SEINAN Day" on April 2nd.
  • Date: March 28, 2026

Direct answer

Rakuten Eagles invites Women's Japan Rugby Representative Ayasa Otsuka for the first pitch at "SEINAN Day" on April 2nd.

Citation
[Rakuten Eagles] Women's Japan Rugby Representative Ayasa Otsuka to Appear for First Pitch at "SEINAN Day" on April 2nd (Thursday)! (March 28, 2026)
Source
PR Times
Date
March 28, 2026
Rakuten Eagles invites Women's Japan Rugby Representative Ayasa Otsuka for the first pitch at "SEINAN Day" on April 2nd.
NQ 56/100

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: March 28, 2026 at 21:36
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 21:27 (1415h 50m after Published)

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...

FAQ

Who will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Rakuten Eagles game on April 2nd?

Ayasa Otsuka, a player for the Women's Japan Rugby National Team, will throw the ceremonial first pitch.

What is the special occasion for the game on April 2nd?

The game on April 2nd is designated as "SEINAN Day," sponsored by Seinan Shoji Co., Ltd.

Will anyone else from the Women's Japan Rugby National Team be present?

Yes, Ayano Sakurai, also a player for the Women's Japan Rugby National Team, will be in attendance and appear on stage and radio.

What is Ayasa Otsuka's rugby playing style described as?

Ayasa Otsuka is described as an all-around back player who controls the game with sharp runs, accurate kicks, and calm decision-making.

When and where will Ayasa Otsuka throw the first pitch?

Ayasa Otsuka will throw the first pitch at approximately 12:58 PM on Thursday, April 2nd, at the Rakuten Mobile Miyagi Stadium mound.