"Spring starts with Senbatsu"—as hints of spring arrive, high-school baseball's spring invitational follows the Olympics.
On Monday the 24th, The Mainichi Newspapers at Palaceside Building held a press conference for the Senbatsu support poster. Image character for the 86th tournament opening March 21 at Koshien (The Mainichi / Japan High School Baseball Federation, Asahi Shimbun support) is actress Ozawa Fuka (16) (photo). A first-year high-school student starring as Kiki in the film "Kiki's Delivery Service" opening March 1.
Receiving her appointment in the same uniform as the poster shoot, Ozawa said, "I'm so happy. I want to cheer with all my heart for everyone chasing dreams on the big Koshien stage. It's an honor to be on the poster for such a dream tournament."
On Senbatsu's image: "It feels like spring is coming—new semesters start, full of hope." Having figure-skated through junior high, she finds high-school baseball " wonderful because teams share joy and regret."
Shot in blouse and white vest, "It was freezing, but staff brought blankets and jet stoves between takes—I managed," she shared. She bought the tournament school guide "and want to learn each team's players." She plans to visit Koshien during the tournament to fire up spring Senbatsu.
Posters go up nationwide March 1—100,000 copies.