On the 13th, Nippon-Ham held their 5th scouting meeting at a hotel in Tokyo in preparation for the draft meeting on the 22nd. Acting GM Kida spoke to the press, explaining, "The university league games are mostly finished, so we had reports on evaluations including those results, as well as investigations into factors beyond their abilities. The number of candidates is almost unchanged from the 90 people mentioned last time. About 80% are from high schools and universities, and about 20% are from adult leagues and independent leagues. Over the remaining ten days or so, we will proceed with determining who The Fighters should truly select. We will begin the process of determining the standings and rankings from now on."

An interview is scheduled for the 14th with the highly-touted Oda from Yokohama High School, with Scouting Director Obuchi and the scout in charge expected to attend. Regarding top candidates like Oda and Komoda from Yamanashi Gakuin, he stated, 'As for Oda, there are interviews and press conferences coming up, so I have to wait for the reports. I have received reports on Komoda and others who are currently being talked about as first-round candidates among university and corporate league players. Whether we will truly make them our first-round picks is something we will decide from here on.'

Regarding Oda, Scouting Director Obuchi prepared for the interview, stating, 'He might go to the Major Leagues in the future, but I still want him. I want to make him feel like he wants to join us.' Acting General Manager Kida indicated that their policy remains unchanged, saying, 'We have always selected the best players available. That will not change.'