On the 18th, Nippon-Ham held a welcome ceremony for new players at their second-division facility in Kamagaya, Chiba.

Takuya Tokoya (Hokkai Gakuen University), a top-ranked development player from Ebetsu City, Hokkaido, had a fantastic birthday. On the 18th, he turned 22, and attended the "Rookie Unveiling Ceremony," where he was enthusiastically congratulated by the 1,085 fans who gathered, including applause. The promising player, who is aiming for an early promotion to the regular team, said, "It's the first time so many people have congratulated me, and I'm really happy. At the same time, I feel like I've reached an incredible stage. I want to repay them with my play, and show them how I can perform."