早速選手たちが登場すると、ファンのみなさんが温かく、そして大きな拍手で迎えます。今シーズンから男性3名、女性1名とチームの男女比が一変したことで、MCの松本圭世さんからは「雰囲気が変わった」とひと言。入場時に男性3名を従える形で先頭を切った茅森選手は「‘姉御(あねご)感’をもっと磨けるよう頑張っていきたいです！」と意気込みます。September 25, 2024
On September 10th, Sega Sammy Phoenix, who competes in the professional mahjong league 'M League,' held a fan meeting with spectators ahead of the 2024-25 season opening the following week. Fans eagerly awaiting the season opening spent a fun time with the players at the venue, enhancing their excitement for the new season.
This time, we bring you the highlights of that event and an exclusive interview with Manager Kondo! What are the strengths of new players from the perspective of the manager!?
To further deepen the bond between the team and the fans before the season starts, this event was held at 'TUNNEL TOKYO' within Sega Sammy Group headquarters. On the day, more than 100 people, including fans and sponsors, attended. The MC was M League reporter Keiyo Matsumoto, with 4 players: Sakae Morisaka, Taiga Daigo, new members Moto Tachinai and Gi Asaido, eagerly awaiting the appearance of Manager Seiichi Kondo...
As soon as the players appeared, they were warmly welcomed by the fans with a big round of applause. With the change in the team's male-to-female ratio to 3 men and 1 woman this season, MC Keiyo Matsumoto commented, 'The atmosphere has changed.' Morisaka, leading the way accompanied by three men upon entry, said, 'I want to work harder to enhance my 'older sister' vibe!'
Newcomer player Takeuchi said, "I will do my best because I am strong at mahjong!" showing strong determination from the beginning! Asai player mentioned, "It's tough to talk after Takeuchi-san, but I have good physical strength, so please pay attention to that," appealing the physical and stamina training at the gym.
Afterwards, Coach Kondo led the toast!
In a friendly atmosphere, next was the players' 'Introducing oneself'... or rather, the 'Introducing others' corner started, where the players introduced the player next to them!
Player Wataru Moriyama introduced Player Taiga Daigo as "the most natural person in Sega Sammy Phoenix. He is gentle, always smiling, calm, a mountain climbing and sauna loving uncle." Following that, Player Daigo introduced Player Takeuchi, who is a new addition, as, "Definitely strong in mahjong, but about 30 times more boisterous than everyone thinks. Everything other than mahjong is all casual." In response, Player Takeuchi said, "Daigo's description is a 'huge miscalculation,'" and engaged in a witty exchange with his specialty puns!
Player Takeuchi entertained the audience by exhibiting a barrage of puns such as, "Asai is 'deep' in mahjong, even though his name is 'shallow.'" In addition, Asai, who had only met Moriyama and Daigo a few times in the past, was introduced as, "Easy to talk to, carefree, and seemingly unflappable. It would be great if we could understand each other even in mahjong."
Next, an unveiling of the new uniforms was done for all the fans.
The new season's uniform, which emphasizes the orange coloring reminiscent of the 'flames' worn by the Phoenix that symbolizes immortality, appears to have increased in strength and vigor.
Regarding the favorite points, Director Kondo highly praised, "The burning sensation is perfect for the Phoenix!" New member Takeuchi commented, "The breathability is good and I feel like I can focus and fight in each match," praising the comfort.
Next, an introduction of the sponsors who support the team by having their names on the uniforms was made. Encouraging words were given by Mr. Takahiko Hojo from Enno Co., Ltd., Mr. Ariya Yamazaki from Orient System Co., Ltd., and Mr. Kazunori Yasuda from Bullet Group Co., Ltd., who serve as the uniform sponsors.
And finally, the long-awaited announcement of the 'Fan Name' for the Sega Sammy Phoenix, which was accepted from all the fans, has been made. Among various entries received, the decided fan name is... drumroll, 'wingth'!
The message 'Fans are the wings of the team, and they are one of the members' includes two English words 'with' and 'win'.
By the way, the Phoenix pose that was under consideration will continue in a version without winking, due to the increasing number of male players.
During the season, a new 'noren' to be displayed in the M-League's waiting room has been renewed! A strong character expressing the unwavering spirit of never giving up was shown on the 'noren', symbolizing resilience against any hardships and difficulties.
Incidentally, both the 'noren' and players' uniforms are coated with the special technology 'Nano Metax Coating' from Phiten Inc, which has been supporting the team as a supplier since last season.
※ Through Phiten Inc's water-soluble metal technology, various metals such as titanium, gold, and palladium are dispersed in water at the nano level (water-solubilized). This can be applied to fabrics using vaporization technology, helping to relax the muscles under the skin contacted, with expectations of improving recovery from mental stress.
Introduction of new uniforms, announcement of fan names, and a fan meeting full of excitement!
In the end, each player expressed their enthusiasm.
Player Kayamori
I've been playing for 6 years, and the most points I've earned is around 250, so I want to win more and contribute to the team, aiming for the championship.
Player Daigo
I was quite negative last year, so I want to win more than make up for it and help the team to win the championship.
Player Takeuchi
I don't know how many years it took to join the aspirational M League. Since I have finally seized the opportunity, I want to play mahjong that everyone can support without regrets.
Asai Player
We think we were called to help the team win. I am good at getting to the top, so I want to do my best to lead the team to the finals first.
Interview Exclusive to Kondo Seiichi Coach Column
On this day, a special interview was conducted with Sega Sammy Sports Column with the team's coach Kondo Seiichi!
Coach Kondo precisely analyzes the strengths of each player that have become visible through interactions with new players!
Two team members have changed, so half of the four have changed, so I want to approach the new season with a fresh feeling. Also, we have lost quite a bit in the past two years, so I hope this season they can win happily.
Players are said to be practicing frequently in the 'clubhouse' at the Sega Sammy Group headquarters.I think there are more opportunities like that than before. It used to be difficult due to scheduling issues, but now it's much easier to coordinate schedules among members.
I would like to hear about the impressions of the new players, Moto Ta Takeshima and Ki Asaido, from the perspective of Director Kondo.The team had a pep rally the other day and we had various discussions. Both of them drink quite a bit and tend to get drunk on their own (laughs). In terms of their characters, Takeshima is quite unique. He talks a lot and you can strongly feel his desire to do something interesting. Asaido seems to take action and speak from the perspective of wanting to appear a certain way, so watching him gives a great sense of security. He also has a handsome face and well-trained muscles, so I hope fans will enjoy that aspect.
Tanaka is described as having various talents, absorbing and implementing a variety of skills from many people. Since there is no specific "type", I think he can be quite troublesome as an opponent, being a type that is difficult to read.
It seems that Asai resembles me, Seiichi Kondo. He himself says so, and there are people around him who also say the same. We had various discussions at the recent rally, but even if the person is not consciously imitating Seiichi Kondo, he is naturally focused on decisive and high-scoring plays, as well as defense. The decisive type does not necessarily have a high winning rate, so it increases the focus on defense or guiding others, and it feels like he is really delving into those aspects.
- Asai also mentioned that he had a lot in common with Coach Kondo in terms of mahjong views.It was surprisingly well-matched. I didn't think I would meet someone who matched this well.
Yes. The role of an M League coach is quite different from coaches in other sports, and there are limited things they can do. I would like to provide advice if I feel that the atmosphere or individual performance is deteriorating.
- Finally, please share a message with the fans.Although the atmosphere has changed significantly with two members different from last season, we will also approach the battle with a new feeling, so we hope that our fans can support us vigorously.
Sega Sammy Phoenix faced the first match of the M-League on September 17th. The battle of the season has just begun.
Please look forward to Sega Sammy Phoenix entering the battle with a new system!
By: Ryo Tokugawa
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