Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo celebrated his 55th birthday and received congratulations from players, coaches, and staff. Owner Masayoshi Son presented him with flowers, a cake, and wine. The press also gifted him a special cake printed with a scene of him being tossed in the air during the victory celebration. He expressed his joy, saying, 'To have my birthday celebrated by the members I fought alongside for a year after winning the championship is the greatest happiness I could ask for.'

After receiving the blessing, he said, "I just told the players that while some were able to achieve their personal goals, I think others fell short of their own targets. With this, the season is reset. The Climax Series starting on the 14th will be a battle that remains in memory rather than just in the records. I told everyone to make the best possible preparations for that and that a battle fought even more for the sake of the team is about to begin."