The 'SMBC Japan Series 2026' between DeNA and the Softbank Hawks will open on the 24th at Yokohama Stadium. DeNA, aiming for their first championship in two years after an underdog run from third place in the Central League, will start pitcher Yutaro Ishida (24). Selected over ace Azuma, he is highly motivated, stating, 'I'll go all out from the first inning.' Softbank Hawks Chairman Sadaharu Oh (86) appeared at the previous day's practice held at the opponent's stadium to provide guidance. He strictly ordered revenge for the loss two years ago, when the team suffered four consecutive defeats after winning the first two games.

Softbank Hawks Chairman Oh vowed to take revenge on DeNA for what happened two years ago. On this day, he inspected the night practice session on the eve of the Japan Series and entered the stadium full of vigor, saying, 'We have to pay them back double. In the 2024 Japan Series, we won two games here... I still can't believe what happened after that with the four consecutive losses.' He spent about 40 minutes watching the free batting practice from behind the batting cage without sitting in the chair provided by the team staff.

He gave enthusiastic guidance to Yamakawa, last year's Japan Series MVP, using gestures. To help him break out of his regular-season slump, he advised him to hit the ball at a point further forward. 'We lost two years ago. The players are likely approaching this with the feeling that they absolutely cannot lose this time, and in that sense, I think it will be a great series,' he said with determination.

Although he was absent from the draft meeting on the 22nd, he demonstrated his undiminished passion ahead of the final showdown. After watching over the team on the ground until the final fielding practice, he left with a sense of fulfillment, saying, "We had a good night practice. See you tomorrow." (Koichiro Shimao)