Rakuten Eagles ambassador Takero Okajima, who retired at the end of last season, visited Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture on the 6th. He prayed with team president Morii and team staff. After completing his first day on the job, Okajima reflected, "I prayed hard for Rakuten Eagles to win the championship."

On the ema, he wrote "Win!!" in a powerful voice. "No matter what position I'm in, it would make me happiest if Rakuten Eagles win," he said, enthusiastically. "I think winning brings smiles to the faces of everyone in Tohoku, so I want to support the players as much as I can so that we can win games."

He played for Rakuten Eagles for 14 years until last season, and became an ambassador this season. "I've always wanted to liven up Tohoku since I was a player, so I hope to be able to make that happen even more," he said, exuding determination.