The opening pitcher for next season was announced at Nippon-Ham' fan appreciation event "F FES2025" held at ES CON FIELD on the 22nd, and it was decided that it would be Hiromi Ito.

Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo pumped his fist in the air and declared, "We've decided who our opponent will be in the opening game of 2026. It's Softbank." He added, "We'll absolutely win all three of these games. I think Moinelo will probably be there. I'll announce the opening pitcher will pitch against Moinelo."

After footage of Kota Tatsu, Hiromi Ito, and Koki Kitayama was shown on the Aurora Vision inside the stadium, Hiromi Ito was announced as the opening pitcher on video.

Hiromi Ito, who will be the opening pitcher for the first time in two years, said, "I was extremely disappointed, and I think the players and fans feel the same way. I am confident that this coincidence will give us momentum and make this The Fighters' year. I will do my best to have a good start and have fun so that we can return home. I would appreciate your support."

Manager Shinjo asked, "I know you're disappointed that you missed out on the opening pitcher, but Kitayama has something to say," to which Kitayama replied, "I'm Kitayama, now wearing number 15 jersey. I was secretly aiming to be the opening pitcher, so it's disappointing, but I believe that (Ito) Taikai will definitely win the opening game and bring momentum to the team." He then asked Manager Shinjo, "I'd like to play in the second game."

After applauding, Manager Shinjo announced, "I was torn between Tatsu-kun and Kitayama-kun, but I'm going with Tatsu-kun. I'll go with Tatsu-kun for the third game." Tatsu-kun displayed his "mastery" by saying, "Next year's opening game is March 27th, which is my birthday. I thought Boss would notice and do it, but I'll pitch as hard as I can in the third game as a late birthday present."

Nippon-Ham 's opening three-game series against Softbank starting on March 27th will see Ito start in the first game, Kitayama in the second, and Tatsuya in the third.

▼ Nippon-Ham opening pitcher for the past 10 years

2016: Shohei Ohtani [21 games, 10 wins, 4 losses, ERA 1.86]

2017: Kohei Arihara [25 games, 10 wins, 13 losses, ERA 4.74]

2018: Rodriguez [9 games, 3 wins, 2 losses, ERA 5.26]

2019 -Naoyuki Uwasawa [11 games, 5 wins, 3 losses, EBITDA 3.15]

2020: Kohei Arihara [20 games, 8 wins, 9 losses, ERA 3.46]

2021: Naoyuki Uwasawa [24 games, 12 wins, 6 losses, ERA 2.81]

2022 -Koki Kitayama [55 trials, 3 wins, 5 losses, 9S defense 3.51]

2023: Takayuki Kato [24 games, 7 wins, 9 losses, ERA 2.87]

2024 ○ Hiromi Ito [26 trials, 14 wins, 5 losses, 2.65 defense]

2025 ○ Shoma Kanemura [28 trials, 5 wins, 7 losses, 5 hours defense 2.93]