Softbank Hawks pitching chief coach and head coordinator Shinji Kurano suggested on the 12th that the pitching staff would be fully utilized during the CS Final Stage (opening on the 14th at Mizuho PayPay). On this day, the pitchers worked on adjustments at their home stadium. Coach Kurano stated, '(The starters) will go on four or five days of rest. As for the relievers, they may pitch in three consecutive games, and depending on the situation, some might even go for four. Since it is a short series, I am not quite sure if we will use them the same way we have until now.'

They finished 11.5 games ahead of the second-place Seibu Lions, securing their first three consecutive league titles since moving to Fukuoka. Starting this season, new rules were introduced for the Climax Series, and for the first time, the Softbank Hawks were granted a two-win advantage (a condition met by a lead of 10 games or more, or the opponent having a winning percentage below .500). The series will be played in a maximum seven-game format, with the first to five wins advancing. Despite the overwhelming advantage, Coach Kurano remained focused on the opening game, stating, 'The start is definitely the most important part. If we win, we will naturally be in a superior position, but if we lose, the opponent will gain more and more momentum.'

He has served as a pitcher coach since 2024. He expressed his determination for the short series, saying, 'I don't know what the players are thinking, but for me, the finals have the highest level of tension.'