On the 17th, Nippon-Ham manager Shinjo updated his Instagram stories. He shared an article from Sports Hochi and sent a message to umpire Takuto Kawakami (30), who has regained consciousness after suffering a head injury during a game.

Adding tearful and smiling emojis, he wrote, "I am truly, truly glad that you have recovered. We will be doing high-fives during the lineup exchange next year, so please make sure your body is in perfect shape." He shared a message full of love, characteristic of a manager who aims for the development and excitement of not just Nippon-Ham, but the entire baseball world.

Umpire Kawakami served as the home-base umpire for the Yakult vs. DeNA game held at Jingu Stadium on April 16, where he was struck directly in the side of the head by a bat that slipped from the hands of Yakult's Osuna during a swing. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent head surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although he was moved to a general ward on the 30th of the same month, he had not regained consciousness for a long time, and intensive treatment was continuing.