Softbank Hawks outfielder Kensuke Kondo was selected for the 'Taiju Life Monthly MVP Award' for September and October on the 20th. During this period, he hit .321 with 7 Home Runs and 16 RBIs, marking his third award this season. He nodded and said, 'I am glad that I was able to produce good numbers while important games continued during the championship race, and above all, it was a September where we were able to win the championship. I am happy to have received it for September and October.'

Starting on the 24th, the Japan Series against DeNA is also on the horizon. This is a matchup against the same opponent they lost to in the championship final two years ago. 'They are an opponent we have bitter memories of from 2024, so I think everyone has that in mind. I hope we can play our usual game right from the first match,' he said, full of determination. One of the baseball world's top hitters will lead the team toward a second consecutive national title.