On the 18th, Softbank Hawks pitcher Taiga Kamichatani expressed his anticipation for facing his former team. Two days after securing a third consecutive Climax Series victory, he participated in pitcher practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome. With the Japan Series set to begin on the 24th against his former team, DeNA, where he played until 2024, he heightened his sense of caution, stating, 'They are truly strong. Scary. It's not just momentum this year. They are the real deal.'

This season's Japan Series features the same matchup as in 2024. Two years ago, DeNA was crowned the champions of Japan, but Kamichatani failed to make the 40-man roster. In 2026, he started the season as a reliever and has been working at full capacity as a starter since July. He is expected to pitch in the Japan Series, which he describes as having the 'image of a spectator,' and said with a bright expression, 'I've never pitched in it before, so I want to, and the opponent is The BayStars. Yuudai Yamamoto and I probably understand everyone's individual strengths and how amazing they are. I'm feeling more excited than anything.'