Softbank Hawks On March 25, Ryoya Kurihara infielder launched a voluntary training session in Fukuoka Prefecture, where they have been based since the beginning of the year. The new player-in-chief, with a slightly longer haircut, practiced for about three hours, including free hitting. He underwent surgery for a hernia in his lower back last November, but with a powerful full swing, he hit a series of broadside blows. He was ready to go full throttle from the first day of the Miyazaki spring training camp.

Last season, he was limited to playing in 80 games due to pain in his right side, finishing with a disappointing batting average of .267, 8 Home Run, and 40 RBI. After his contract was reduced by 10 million yen in December last year, he expressed his determination to lead the team by playing in every game, saying, "I want to leave behind overwhelming numbers."