Sakamoto not lost in translation
There is usually no grass on the infield or music playing between innings, and the nuances of softball in Japan are slightly different than the United States, but the similarities are what drive Haruna Sakamoto.
Sakamoto, who is in her first season as a second baseman for the Pennsylvania Rebellion, is confident she belongs in the National Pro Fastpitch league.
The slick-fielding, right-handed hitter has stepped in as a starter and provided stability as the No. 2 hitter in the Rebellion’s batting order. Almost 7,000 miles away from her home in Japan, Sakamoto is looking more comfortable than ever on the field.
In Pennsylvania’s 5-4 victory over Dallas Tuesday night, Sakamoto fought off an inside fastball and drove it to right-center field for a two-run single, giving the Rebellion the lead. In the field, the 28-year-old has made several diving stops.
As she embarks on her second season in the NPF, Sakamoto is not focused on cultural differences or language barriers. Winning is universal.
“When it comes to softball, I just enjoy the sport,” Sakamoto said through her translator, Misako Smith. “It doesn’t matter if it’s America or Japan, if you lose, it’s the same. I understand that.”
The passion, dedication and ability of Japanese players are what drove Rebellion first-year manager Craig Montvidas to bring the infielder to Washington. After all, Montvidas witnessed Sakamoto’s ability last August when she helped Japan beat the Dutch National Team – a team Montvidas coaches – in an exhibition game.
“What she brings is a lot of discipline, work ethic,” Montvidas said. “I’m impressed because for any player that goes to another country, especially if you don’t speak the language, it’s difficult. It’s a different culture, food and you are living on your own. Softball is pretty much all you’ve got.
“She can play. She’s a very good defensive player, and she makes great contact with her bat.”
Finding solace in softball is fine with Sakamoto. Her success internationally motivated her to try the NPF. A member of Team Toyota in the Japanese Softball League, Sakamoto played 11 seasons in her home country, winning back-to-back titles in Japan in 2011-12, an Asia Cup in 2009, a Canada Cup in 2011 and a world championship with Japan in 2012.
In 2013, Sakamoto, who is from Nagoya – Japan’s third-largest city – was recruited to make the jump to America and joined USSSA. She appeared in 30 games for the Pride that season, batting .216 with 30 runs to help USSSA win the NPF title.
She returned to Japan in 2014, and when Montvidas contacted a liaison with the Japanese Softball League he was pleased to hear Sakamoto was interested in playing in America again and Toyota cleared her to make the trip.
The cultural differences are nothing new to Sakamoto, but she is embracing life in the United States and Washington County.
“There’s no music playing during games in Japan or anything like that,” Sakamoto said. “In between innings here, some players are running around, the fans are doing things like ice-cream eating contests. Over here, it’s more exciting. Everyone really enjoys it.”
Though Sakamoto likes being able to watch Major League Baseball games during her free time, the language barrier is still a factor. Despite the challenge, she does not always need Smith by her side.
During infield drills Tuesday night, she joked with teammates and learned the Rebellion’s signs quickly.
“Everybody understands and tries to help me out,” Sakamoto said. “They are all very kind. I really appreciate it. It has definitely made things easier.”
In softball, it does not matter if its Japan or America, teammates are teammates, and the Rebellion embraced their second baseman.
“She’s a hard worker and sets a good example for everybody,” center fielder Courtney Senas said. “She doesn’t speak English, but she never complains. She’s always putting in extra work and she’s a good player. You know she wants to play the game.”
When Sakamoto and former teammate Yuri Masuyama arrived, the Rebellion got a temporary translator to relay basic nonsoftball instructions and to give Montvidas a chance to communicate with his new players.
He can attest the style of play is much different than what the two were accustomed to in Japan. Pitchers in the NPF throw hard rather than relying on movement, the league lacks the finesse of the Japanese game and time off the field is not easy.
Sakamoto continues to make the adjustment. Communicating with coaches can be difficult when Smith is not around, but her play in the field is showing Montivdas she is growing comfortable with the Rebellion.
“The girls on our team have been great with her,” Montvidas said. “You can see her language picking up a bit. Sometimes, we think she might understand a little more than what’s being said. We want to make it enjoyable for her. She’s comfortable and she’s not feeling the pressure from the coaches.”
Sakamoto is batting .190 with one home run, three RBI and a .977 fielding percentage in 10 games. When Masuyama broke her ankle early this month and returned to Japan, Montvidas and his staff were concerned Sakamoto would follow.
Going home, however, did not cross Sakamoto’s mind. She left home to prove she belongs among the best in the sport.
“I know I can play here, and that’s why I’m here,” Sakamoto said. “I enjoy it and that’s the only time I really enjoy most things. I came here to play softball and I wasn’t going to leave. I’m happy right now.”