Softbank Hawks infielder Ryoya Kurihara participated in team practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 8th. This season, he won two Pacific League titles with 40 Home Runs and 118 RBI, but he was closely pursued by Lotte outfielder Koki Yamaguchi, who finished just two Home Runs behind him. 'I watched all of Yamaguchi-kun's at-bats in the final game (on the 6th). I felt that whether I won the title or not, it would be a reflection of my current ability,' he said, explaining that he had watched his rival's at-bats with a sense of acceptance.

"I'm the type who wants to find others in hide-and-seek, and the type who doesn't want to be the one running away in tag. It was quite an unpleasant pressure. People around me would tell me 'It's okay,' but I couldn't trust those words," he revealed, disclosing the secret pressure he had been carrying.