WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - KOREA VS JAPAN

March 7, 2026

Hirokazu Ibata

Tokyo Dome

Team Japan

Pregame Press Conference

Q. The game, big game against Korea. A lot of attention paying, a lot of audience are expecting good game. What's in your mind?

HIROKAZU IBATA: Yes, I'm trying to be as who we are. Then trying to get a win.

Q. Previous couple games Team Korea has a lot of extra bases. What's your game plan to play against Team Korea?

HIROKAZU IBATA: Things we have to minimize is be on base, let them on base, and let them hit on extra bases.

Q. Ko Young Pyo, their starting pitcher, what's in your mind? What's your impression?

HIROKAZU IBATA: Well he's a right-handed thrower with a great location with a side arm angle and he has a great command and sinking ball. So trying to focus what pitch we should hit and what pitch we should not hit.

Q. Yusei Kikuchi, your starting pitcher, what is your -- how do you feel to put him on the mound?

HIROKAZU IBATA: Yes, I want him to pitch with his strong point. He has a fast ball, four seam, and breaking ball as well with good command, and I want him to expect to draw momentum of the game.

Q. If you have a specific game plan for tonight, can you share, please?

HIROKAZU IBATA: No matter how we play, winning is everything. No matter who play on the field, I'm expecting everybody to play what they can do.

Q. Regarding Shohei Ohtani, he has been doing BP before the game. By watching his long shoot distance what is impression? How did his BP affect Team Japan?

HIROKAZU IBATA: Well, as far as I understand, he is not the guy having a BP outside. Yesterday he is supposed to have a BP indoor cages, but I think he like to show his respect and he went there and he had an outside BP.

As far as my watching, I watching him, seems like he has a great condition and I am very pleased that he has a very good batting session in front of a lot of audience in Japan.

Q. Regarding the defense of the outfielder, Suzuki and Yoshida, these two are mainly playing for designated hitter last season. So how do you expect them as an outfielder?

HIROKAZU IBATA: Well, they were originally -- well, they have quite experienced as outfielder so I'm expecting just ordinary play to make out.