I was really surprised the American team lost to the Mexican team.

I am proud that Japan is the strongest team in Asia. We are determined to go through at the top.

Personally, I think Japan is the strongest team in Asia and we want to finish Pool A as the top team in the group.

I'm 100 percent sure. I spoke to him recently and told him we really want him to be a part of our team.

The opponents and I are really one. My strength and skills only half of the equation. The other half is theirs. An opponent is someone whose strength joined to yours creates a certain result.

I had strong legs that would have made me a good sumo wrestler and I used that to my advantage, but my home runs were achieved by technique.