Photo/Illutration Roki Sasaki, second from left, stands in tears with his Ofunato High School teammates after losing in the finals of the Iwate prefectural tournament on July 25, 2019. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The kanji character for "kan," which implies completeness, fullness or finality, originally denoted a "triumphant return," according to Shizuka Shirakawa (1910-2006), a prominent scholar of Chinese writing.

Shirakawa explained that when warriors returned home from a hard-won battle, they observed a ritual called "kan," in which they reported their triumph and safe return to their ancestral spirits.

By extension, any word containing this character came to imply fully achieving one's goal.

Roki Sasaki, a pitcher for the Chiba Lotte Marines baseball team, reported his "historic triumph," so to speak, in his post-game interview on April 10.

He became the first Japanese pro ballplayer in 28 years to pitch a perfect game.

Speaking modestly, he said he trusted his catcher completely.

"I was thinking that if I allow a hit, that’s OK."

Even the most powerful sluggers of the opponent Orix Buffaloes continued fanning, unable to hit Sasaki's dynamically delivered fastballs that averaged 160 kph. Buffaloes fans could only applaud the extraordinary feat of this 20-year-old ace.

Already touted as a phenom during his high school years, Sasaki is now veritable superstar material.

Despite the hype, however, he never played in the national high school championships at Koshien Stadium.

That was because his high school team manager did not let him pitch consecutive games in the regional finals. Apparently, the last thing the manager wanted was to let this outstanding hurler inadvertently throw his arm out.

At the time, opinions of baseball fans were split on this decision. But I believe most fans support it now.

There was a time when the prevailing belief in sports of all kinds, known as "konjo-ron" or "die-hard spirit," dictated that student athletes should drive themselves beyond their limits if they are to attain greatness as pros.

But I am sure many young, high-profile athletes eventually paid the ultimate price by falling by the wayside prematurely.

Kou Matsukawa, the catcher Sasaki placed his full trust in, is an 18-year-old rookie just out of high school.

What is so exciting is that both are still young with infinite promise--still far from being fully developed or completely mature.

--The Asahi Shimbun, April 12

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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