DOSHINSPORTS.COM: [Question and Answer] GACKT Appears at First Pitch Ceremony: "Shinjo-san lectured me on what was difficult."

■ Pacific League Game 16: SoftBank vs. Nippon-Ham (July 31, Escon Field, Hokkaido)

Artist GACKT (52) appeared at the pre-game first pitch ceremony, just like last year. Last year, his pitch was a no-bounce, but it was way outside the strike zone, so this time he was looking for revenge. However, Golden Bomber’s Sho Kiryuin (41) intruded. GACKT was forced off the mound and had to compete as a batter. Kiryuin, a former baseball player, threw a ball way off the mark, just like GACKT did last year. Fans in the stadium erupted in excitement at the sight of Kiryuin kneeling and GACKT sporting a wry smile. GACKT’s Q&A is below.

–Fans were surprised by the turn of events after the event.
“It’s true. No, I felt like I was completely unsatisfied. I feel like I have to come back.”

-Was this your first time trying batting?
“A bat? Or a ball? This is my first time standing at the plate.”

-Trying it out
“I wasn’t sure whether I should swing with my right or my left. I just tried standing with my left.”

-If you were to rate Kiryuin’s pitching,
“If I gave him a 30 last year, he’d give him a 12 (laughs).”

-That’s pretty low.
“Isn’t that amazing?”

-That was way off topic.
“We were just talking about it.”

-What kind of conversation were you having?
“He said he was a former baseball player (laughs).”

-GACKT also started practicing pitching last year.