Softbank Hawks infielder Yudai Shoji showed confidence on the 20th regarding his performance at a familiar away stadium. On this day, the team held a full practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome. Looking ahead to the Japan Series starting in Yokohama on the 24th, he expressed his determination, saying, 'I think I can enter this more smoothly than the Climax Series. I feel like giving my all in every single game.'

Shoji, a Kanagawa native who attended Yokohama High School and Kanagawa University, is well-acquainted with Yokohama Stadium. Although he has little experience playing night games, he showed confidence in his defense—one of his strengths—stating, 'I think I am used to the turf, the dirt, and the height of the wall. I don't think there are any particular concerns in that regard.'

Regarding his reunion with his high school teammate, Watarai of the DeNA BayStars, he commented, "It makes me happy to be able to play on such a stage with a teammate I spent so much time with in high school." He continued, "I think my other classmates, as well as my former manager and coaches, will be happy to see us. It would be even better if we could both show some great plays out there," as he vowed to perform just as brilliantly as he did during the Climax Series where he won the MVP.