Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo revealed on the 13th his determination to remain calm and composed. The final stage of the Climax Series (CS) begins on the 14th. He attended a press conference the day before, following a full team practice held at the home venue, Mizuho PayPay Dome.

The opponent has been decided as Nippon-Ham for the third consecutive year. Although they were a favorable matchup this season with a record of 18 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws, he tightened his expression and said, 'Since I became manager, it has been the Climax Series against Nippon-Ham for three years in a row. It won't be an easy fight.'

Being in the same grade as Nippon-Ham's Manager Shinjo, he looked forward to the game, saying, 'We have traded tactical maneuvers many times in the past. I am excited for a battle where we both know each other inside out.' In the first series against the Seibu Lions, a characteristic of Shinjo's Nippon-Ham was their meticulous baseball, such as executing a fake squeeze with one out and a runner on third in the seventh inning of the third game. While there is a possibility they will deploy further secret plans, he stated firmly, 'I think the side that gets shaken loses. It is important to respond firmly and not get flustered, even if Nippon-Ham executes a very good strategy.' With a calm and composed attitude, he intends to overcome this matchup for the third consecutive year.