“I’m aware the fans in the U.S. can be less forgiving...I’ll just have to do my best to please them.”

“I think homers are my best trait—I look forward to hitting them over there.”

“I’ve been watching American baseball on television for a long time, but it was only in recent years that, realistically, I’ve been thinking about playing here.”

“It’s important to find a team where you can be comfortable. I know there are a lot of high expectatons.”

“The changeup is something I’m not used to. They don’t throw those in Japan.”

“The power of home run hitters in the majors is different from those here. It’s probably difficult for me to match that power now.”

“Getting adjusted to the pitching over here was the hardest part as far as baseball was concerned.”

"It's not like you can aim for a home run and hit a home run.”

“It wasn't especially difficult to adjust here. But I think the biggest challenge has been the language: In terms of eating, or just living, in general, that's been fine.”

“Since the first day I came to the team, all of the team members have been very accommodating. So basically, I don't feel isolated. It's been really great.”

“I'm a baseball player. Not being able to play baseball certainly was a lonely thing.”

“What I try to do is don't have any ups and downs. I emphasize taking the same approach.”

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