At the 2026 professional baseball rookie draft held on October 22, 2026, two high school pitchers from Saitama Prefecture secured developmental roster selections, setting their sights on the professional stage as Asahi Shimbun reported.
Orix Buffaloes Select Ryota Kurokawa in Round One
Ryota Kurokawa, a right-handed pitcher from Hanasaki Tokue High School, heard his name called as the Orix Buffaloes’ top developmental pick. Watching the draft unfold inside the school’s principal’s office, Kurokawa maintained a relieved expression before breaking into a quiet smile once the announcement finalized.
Immediately after the selection, Kurokawa dialed his mother, Kimiko, on his mobile phone. During the conversation, he repeatedly assured her, I am not crying,
and exchanged reciprocal expressions of gratitude. In a subsequent press conference, Kurokawa addressed his immediate future by stating, Now that I have been chosen, I will do my absolute best to repay my family for the support they have given me.
Kurokawa stands 183 centimeters tall, weighs 86 kilograms, and hails from Mibu Town in Tochigi Prefecture. Known for a fastball reaching a top speed of 148 kilometers per hour alongside considerable stamina, the right-hander struck out 29 batters during the summer Saitama tournament of the National High School Baseball Championship, helping propel his school to a Koshien appearance for the first time in two years.
Hanasaki Tokue manager Takashi Iwai noted that upon observing Kurokawa in his third year of junior high school, the player’s physical stature and natural power convinced him that he could make it to the professional ranks.
Iwai expressed high expectations for the young pitcher, hoping he would bring dreams and inspiration to everyone associated with the club.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks Draft Yujiro Kameda in Round Five
Joining Kurokawa in the developmental ranks, Yujiro Kameda of Yamamura Gakuen High School received a fifth-round developmental selection from the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Kameda monitored the draft broadcast from his school’s indoor practice facility alongside baseball club teammates and manager Takayasu Okano.
When the Hawks called his name, teammates erupted in cheers, prompting a wide smile from Kameda. A native of Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward, Kameda measures 183 centimeters and 95 kilograms. His left-handed fastball clocked in the 140-kilometer-range this summer, supported by a competitive throwing tempo and a trusted changeup.
Reflecting on the milestone, Kameda described the moment as reaching a starting line
and emphasized his determination to produce results now that a club has selected him. Identifying velocity as his primary area for improvement, Kameda set a personal target to surpass 150 kilometers per hour after joining the professional club.
Kameda shared that his parents crossed his mind instantly upon hearing his selection. Having lost his father to a sudden illness at the age of six, Kameda was raised alongside an older brother and younger sister by his mother, who managed the household alone. First, I want to say thank you,
Kameda remarked regarding his mother’s sacrifices. Being chosen and succeeding will be my way of returning the favor.
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