pitcher Toshiya Nakamura, who transferred from Lotte to Softbank Hawks in the active player draft, held an introductory press conference at Mizuho PayPay on the 15th. The 29-year-old left-hander joined Lotte in the 2018 draft as the 5th pick from Asia University. This season, he appeared in 15 games, all as a reliever, with no wins or losses ERA of 3.15. His professional career record is 7 wins and 9 losses with an ERA of 4.03 in 99 games. "I have always loved Daiei and Softbank Hawks since I was little in my hometown of Kyushu, so I am happy to be able to wear their uniforms and play," he said, expressing his deep emotions as he put on number 30 uniform. He is from Sasebo, Nagasaki, the same hometown as CBO Kenji Johjima, and said that as a boy he would visit the "Johjima Memorial Hall" at his family home and be thrilled. Even after turning pro, he never failed to greet his fellow hometown veteran whenever he saw him at the ballpark.

Next year will be a milestone season for him as he turns 30. "If I stay in the first team for a year, I think I can pitch in about 40 games, so I want to pitch between 40 and 50 games, and even more inning," he said, setting his sights on being a full-fledged relief pitcher.