Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo (55) attended a press conference at Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 13th, the day before the final stage of the 2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific. Regarding the showdown against Nippon-Ham, which marks the third consecutive year since he took office, he expressed his resolve, saying, 'I feel a mix of excitement and various other emotions. It certainly won't be an easy battle.'

While feeling a sense of excitement, he remained composed. Having finished the regular season with a lead of more than 10 games over second place and below, they enter this stage with a two-win advantage. In addition to this favorable situation, their opponent is Nippon-Ham, a team they dominated this season with 18 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws. Nevertheless, he showed no signs of complacency, stating, "The only thing that matters is getting those three wins." With starter Moinelo, who was crowned MVP of last season's Climax Series, taking the mound for the first game, they intend to seize the momentum all at once.

Even as concerns grow, confidence remains unshaken. In addition to Imamiya, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a torn right hamstring, Yanagita's participation is also uncertain as he has been on a separate training schedule since the 11th due to a recurring neck injury. 'It might be tough. He hasn't moved today (the 13th) either, and the risk of injury is scary.' While acknowledging that the absence of these two reliable veterans is painful, the team is prepared to win with the best depth among the 12 teams, including Yamakawa, who has won a total of four Home Run titles.

Nippon-Ham manager Shinjo, who is in the same school year, is known for his meticulous baseball style featuring plays like fake squeezes and double steals, but he declared he would fight without being rattled, maintaining the 'champion's style,' saying, 'Even if it is a very good strategy for Nippon-Ham, it is important not to get flustered. We have faced each other many times in the past.' The journey toward consecutive national championships finally begins. They will continue to stack up victories one game at a time. (Toshiki Moriguchi)