The Promising Shortstop from Hanasaki Tokuharu High Poised to Be “The Next Sakamoto”
In the 2024 Nippon Professional Baseball Draft, the Yomiuri Giants selected high school shortstop Yusei Ishizuka as their first-round pick.
Known for his powerful bat, steady glove, and mature baseball IQ, Ishizuka — a graduate of Hanasaki Tokuharu High School — is already being hailed as the potential successor to Hayato Sakamoto.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about Ishizuka: his background, playing style, fan reactions, and training updates. Whether you’re a Giants supporter or a draft enthusiast, this is a must-read!
⚾️ Yusei Ishizuka: Player Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture |
| Born | 2007 (Age 17) |
| Height / Weight | 182 cm / around 70 kg |
| Throws / Bats | Right / Left |
| Position | Infielder (Shortstop) |
| High School | Hanasaki Tokuharu High School |
Born in Yachiyo, Chiba, Ishizuka began playing baseball at the age of four with the Katsuta Honeys. By sixth grade, he was selected for the Chiba Lotte Marines Junior Team.
During middle school, he honed his skills as a shortstop for the Sakura Little Seniors, one of Japan’s top youth programs.
At Hanasaki Tokuharu High, Ishizuka led his team to the Koshien tournament twice, finishing as runner-up in his final summer.
Standing 182 cm tall, Ishizuka combines speed, power, and reliable defense — the complete package for a modern shortstop.
🧡 Giants Secure Ishizuka as Their Exclusive No.1 Pick
At the 2024 NPB Draft, the Yomiuri Giants successfully selected Ishizuka with their uncontested first pick.
Scouts praised his “smooth fielding, sharp instincts, and exceptional hitting ability — among the best in high school baseball.”
With a batting average above .350 and 50-meter dash time in the high 5-second range, Ishizuka has the athleticism and skills to eventually succeed Sakamoto as the team’s next franchise shortstop.
🔥 Fans Are Buzzing on Social Media
On X (formerly Twitter), fans can’t stop talking about Ishizuka:
“Training with Sakamoto?! That’s awesome!”
“He’s got great defense and that smile — instant fan favorite.”
“Tier 1 rookie card, no question. Gotta display it next to Sakamoto’s!”
“A shortstop from Hanasaki Tokuharu? That’s pure baseball magic.”
Even before his debut, Ishizuka has already captured the hearts of fans as a next-generation star.
💪 Training with Hayato Sakamoto: A Key Step in His Development
In the 2025 offseason, Ishizuka joined Hayato Sakamoto’s private training camp for the first time.
The elite group included promising Giants players such as Yuto Akihiro, Riku Masuda, and Dai Yuasa — a lineup that made headlines among fans.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to learn Sakamoto’s approach to defense, preparation, and mindset,”
Ishizuka said, determined to absorb every detail from the veteran.
📎 Related Articles:
- Sakamoto Accepts Ishizuka’s Request to Join His Offseason Training (Yahoo! Japan News)
- Tokyo Giants Official X: Report from the Australia Winter League
🏆 Looking Ahead: Carrying the Legacy of Sakamoto
Though only in his first professional year, Ishizuka already shows maturity beyond his age — combining advanced fielding, flexible batting, and strong baserunning.
He’s often compared to stars like Hayato Sakamoto and Kazuo Matsui, both known for their all-around excellence.
With his name likely on the roster for the 2025 Spring Camp, Ishizuka could make his first-team debut within the next few years.
🧡 Summary: Yusei Ishizuka, the Giants’ Shortstop of the Future
- Giants’ 2024 First-Round Pick from Hanasaki Tokuharu High
- Balanced high-school infielder with elite hitting, fielding, and speed
- Trains alongside Hayato Sakamoto, gaining valuable mentorship
- Highly anticipated as the “Post-Sakamoto” franchise shortstop
At just 17 years old, Yusei Ishizuka stands out as one of the brightest young talents in Japanese baseball.
Giants fans are watching closely — the team’s future may already be in his hands.
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