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Yusei Kikuchi Spots in Japan
A major league pitcher. A power pitcher who delivers fastballs close to 100 mph from the left arm, and also throws sliders and changeups.
During high school, he led Hanamaki Higashi to the runner-up position in the Koshien tournament.
Afterward, he went through the Seibu Lions and then moved to MLB. He is currently with the Blue Jays.
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Hanamaki Higashi High School
Hanamaki Higashi High School is a private academic high school located in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. It is widely known for its powerhouse baseball team and for producing professional players such as Yusei Kikuchi (now in MLB) and Shohei Ohtani (also a former Hanamaki Higashi star), both of whom gained nationwide fame through their performances at Koshien.
School Features
Hanamaki Higashi values a balance between academics and athletics under the philosophy of "Mind, Skill, and Body."
The baseball team, led by coach Hiroshi Sasaki, is famous for its disciplined training and its motto of “Thinking Baseball” — focusing not only on technical skill but also on character development and humility. Players are taught to be respectful and self-motivated both on and off the field.
About Viewing the Baseball Field
While the school grounds are not open to outsiders, the baseball practice field is adjacent to a public park. From there, you can see the team practicing from outside the fence, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a practice game.
During tournament seasons, fans sometimes gather quietly nearby to watch the players train.
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2021 MLB All-Star Game Monument
The 2021 MLB All-Star Game Commemorative Monument was established to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Yusei Kikuchi and Shohei Ohtani, both graduates of Hanamaki Higashi High School, who were selected together for the 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Monument Features
The monument displays handprints of both Ohtani and Kikuchi, allowing visitors to appreciate the size and form of their hands — a fascinating detail for baseball fans. It serves as a symbol of pride for their alma mater and hometown.
Location
The monument is located next to the Hanamaki Higashi High School baseball ground.
Although the school grounds are not open to the public, it’s possible to walk close enough to view the monument from outside. On some days, you might even hear the sounds of practice coming from the nearby field.
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Shin-Hanamaki Station
Shin-Hanamaki Station is a Shinkansen-only station located in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. It serves as a gateway to the Hanamaki area, including the Hanamaki Onsen hot spring resorts and the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum.
The station is about 3 km from JR Hanamaki Station and can be reached by car or local bus.
Station Features
Inside the station, there is a special exhibition corner that displays memorabilia from local baseball stars — including Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi, both graduates of Hanamaki Higashi High School.
The exhibition showcases their uniforms, autographs, and photos, along with items from other professional players with ties to Hanamaki. It’s a popular spot for fans and visitors who want to feel the city’s deep connection to baseball.
Baseball Culture in Hanamaki
Hanamaki is known for its strong baseball tradition.
In addition to Hanamaki Higashi High School, Fuji University in Hanamaki has also produced many professional players, such as Hotaka Yamakawa and Shuta Tonosaki of the Saitama Seibu Lions.
Their achievements are also featured in the displays, celebrating Hanamaki’s community spirit and dedication to the sport.
Access
Location: Yaza 10-chiwari, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
Line: Tohoku Shinkansen
From Hanamaki Station: About 5 minutes by car or by local bus
Parking: Available (both free and paid)
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Men Tan Pin
Mentanpin is a popular Chinese-style ramen restaurant located near Hanamaki Higashi High School in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture.
It is well known as a place where many of the school’s baseball players — including professional athletes — often dined.
Restaurant Features
Inside the restaurant, you can see photos and autographs of Yusei Kikuchi, a famous graduate of Hanamaki Higashi.
The cozy, welcoming atmosphere made it a favorite stop for students and locals alike. Many players were known to drop by after practice or games.
Recommended Dish
The restaurant’s signature dish is the Tantanmen (spicy sesame ramen).
Its rich sesame flavor and perfectly balanced spiciness create a deep, satisfying taste — one that keeps fans coming back for more.
Summary
Mentanpin is remembered not only for its delicious ramen but also as a place connected to Hanamaki Higashi’s baseball legacy.
It remains a beloved spot among fans who wish to experience a taste once enjoyed by Yusei Kikuchi and other star players.
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KOH
This is a state-of-the-art baseball training facility built by Yusei Kikuchi near his alma mater, Hanamaki Higashi High School.
The Hanamaki Higashi High School baseball team, as well as professional players like Kona Takahashi of the Saitama Seibu Lions, have trained here.
Currently, it mainly hosts baseball classes for children and is not open for public tours, so please be aware.
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Translation by ChatGPT.