"The discussion about Shohei Ohtani took just 1 minute" - Yusei Kikuchi calls out Japanese publication over lying to him about feature interview

Houston Astros starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi recently tweeted about his displeasure regarding an interview with a Japanese journalist from Nikkan Sports. Nikkan Sports is one of Japan's most popular daily sports newspapers, founded in 1946. Reportedly, the journalist gathered content for a feature on superstar Shohei Ohtani through his conversations with Yusei, whereas Kikuchi was initially of the impression that the reporter was looking to write about him.

Both Ohtani and Kikuchi are having strong seasons for their respective teams in 2024. Since his move to the Houston Astros, Kikuchi has pitched well and looks to be a reliable option in the pitching staff for a potential playoff push.

Ohtani, on the other hand, continues to make history with 48 home runs and 48 stolen bases, pushing to be the first player in MLB history to have a 50-50 season.

The pair go way back, as Kikuchi was Ohtani's senior at Hanamaki Higashi High School in their hometown of Iwate.

On Monday, Yusei took to X to talk about how the whole situation left a sour taste in his mouth.

"When I heard that he had come from Japan to interview me, I felt bad that we would just have a casual conversation at the stadium, so we had breakfast together the day after I pitched, and then I drove him to the stadium. I made time because I wanted to do a feature on myself, but it turned out to be a feature on Ohtani." Yusei claimed via a tweet.

"During the roughly two-hour conversation, the discussion about Ohtani took up just one minute. Doing this may earn you reviews, but trust is not something you earn, it's something you build." Kikuchi said.

Yusei Kikuchi strikes out six as he helps Astros to another win

The Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3 at Angel Stadium on Friday, as the AL West leaders opened up the three-game series with an important victory. The visitors took control of the game early on, scoring four runs in the first three innings.

Yusei Kikuchi in action against the Los Angeles Angels - Source: Getty

Starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi continued his strong form since his mid-season trade from the Toronto Blue Jays. The 33-year-old struck out six and gave up three earned runs in seven innings of work, registering a quality start. Since his arrival in Houston in July, Yusei Kikuchi boasts a 5-0 win/loss record in eight starts for the Astros.