On the 7th, Nippon-Ham began their rookie joint voluntary training at their minor league facility in Kamagaya, Chiba. Draft pick number one, pitcher Jay Ohkawa (Meiji University), smiled as he expressed his satisfaction at having started his professional career.

After taking their time to warm up in the indoor practice field, they worked up a sweat by catch and catching ground balls. Afterwards, they moved to the dormitory and did core training and weight training while also attending lectures. Okawa said with a smile, "What I feel most is that I've finally managed to take the first step. I'm not tired at all, and I slept well last night and the night before, so I was able to take on the challenge in top condition."

There are seven people in the same year, including himself. When asked about their relationship, he said, "We have meal times, and we also have morning activities, or rather, we all go for walks together. We spend a lot of time together, so I think we can get closer during those times." They gather at 6:20 a.m. and take a walk around the perimeter of Kamagaya Stadium before breakfast. He said it's also a good time to communicate.

However, this year's rookie team only has two pitcher, including Towa Yokoyama (Aomori Chuo Gakuin University), who was the second pick in the developmental draft. "Since there are only two pitcher this year, I see them as rivals, and I want to do my best to support them," he said.