Sakurazaka46's Yamazaki Ten is getting another shot at the first pitch. On July 10, the idol will throw for the Chiba Lotte Marines against the Orix Buffaloes at ZOZO Marine Stadium as part of the team's "BLACK SUMMER WEEK" event.

This marks the second consecutive year Yamazaki has been selected for the honor—she also threw the first pitch last year during a Saitama Seibu Lions game. But she's not just going through the motions this time around.

"The first time was quite disappointing," Yamazaki said in a statement. "This time, I'm going in with a redemption mindset. I want to show that I've grown, even just a little bit." She added that she's looking forward to energizing the crowd and enjoying the experience despite her nerves.

For those less familiar with Sakurazaka46: the group is the second iteration of the Akimoto Yasushi-produced Sakamichi series, following Nogizaka46. Originally formed in 2015 as Keyaki46, the group rebranded to Sakurazaka46 in 2020. They've since built a strong fanbase with releases like their debut album "As you know?" and consistent touring, including a fourth-anniversary live at ZOZO Marine Stadium last November.

Yamazaki's return to the mound reflects the growing intersection between Japanese idol culture and sports in Japan. First-pitch appearances have become prime opportunities for entertainers to reach baseball fans while building goodwill between the entertainment and sports industries.

The Marines' "BLACK SUMMER WEEK" series, sponsored by Coolish, has established itself as a platform for celebrity appearances during the summer baseball season. With Yamazaki returning for a second year, it suggests both the event's success and her popularity with fans.