Professional baseball pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers, Otake, was moved to tears recalling his native town Kumamoto. He expressed deep emotions and concern while alluding to recent events there, likely related to the severe natural disasters. It's not yet specified what actions Otake may be considering to support his dear hometown, but his candid emotions during the interview touched many of his fans and fellow citizens.

Given the ongoing battles against natural disasters in different parts of Japan, moments like Otake's help unify the nation and generate support for the affected regions. Japanese society also values strong connections to one's hometown, and Otake's emotional reaction reinforces those cultural ties.

Similar to the US or EU, star athletes often use their influence to rally support for their hometowns during tough times. However, the emphasis on cultural roots and family might be deeper in Japanese society compared to the U.S. or E.U.