In this installment of “Tora Deep Dive,” we explore the catching philosophy of Torai Fushimi (35), a veteran backstop who has made a significant impact in his first season with the Hanshin Tigers. Fushimi has guided left-handed pitcher Haruto Takahashi (30) to three consecutive complete-game shutouts, showcasing his exceptional game-calling skills. The 14-year professional emphasizes the importance of every inch and every millimeter in his craft. His growth has been fueled by healthy competition with standout framer Seishiro Sakamoto (32).
**Fushimi’s Catching Philosophy**
This season, Fushimi has caught 11 out of 12 games with left-handed pitchers on the mound. He says, “I never want a strike to be called a ball,” driven by an obsession for precision. His framing technique continues to improve through constant competition with Sakamoto.
**Profile: Torai Fushimi**
Born May 12, 1990, in Chitose, Hokkaido. Began baseball as a pitcher and shortstop in third grade, switched to catcher during junior high with the Sapporo Shiraishi Senior team. Played for Tokai University Sapporo (formerly Tokai University Fourth) and Tokai University before being drafted by Orix in the third round of the 2012 draft. Suffered a severe left Achilles tendon rupture in 2019 but returned the following year. Contributed to Orix’s first Japan Series title in 26 years in 2022. Moved to Nippon-Ham via free agency in November 2022. In the 2025 offseason, won the Best Battery Award with Nippon-Ham’s Hiromi Ito. Career stats: 651 games, .229 batting average, 21 home runs, 147 RBIs. Height: 182 cm, weight: 89 kg. Right-handed thrower and batter. Estimated salary this season: 100 million yen.
**Overwhelming Chemistry with Left-Handers**
It’s almost inevitable now. Of the 12 games Fushimi started behind the plate this season, 11 featured left-handed pitchers. The only right-hander was Yuki Nishi (35), his former Orix teammate, in an April 30 game against Yakult. The most striking partnership has been with Haruto Takahashi (30). Fushimi has supported Takahashi to four wins, all complete-game shutouts, including three consecutive shutouts culminating in the May 6 game against Chunichi. After earning his first win of the season, Takahashi said, “I was able to pitch with complete trust. I couldn’t have done it alone. I’m grateful to my catcher every day.”