SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 4 Softbank Hawks vs DeNA (28th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

The Softbank Hawks won four consecutive games to secure their 13th Japan Series title, their second in two years. They reached the top with a perfect seven-game winning streak in the postseason, starting from the final stage of the Climax Series against Nippon-Ham. Manager Hiroki Kokubo crossed the finish line without ever considering a moment's pause.

Just think about winning three more games (after Game 1)

"Just two more wins to go" (After Game 2)

"Anyway, we just need to win one more." (After Game 3)

The Japan Series against DeNA was a nightmare two years ago. After starting with two consecutive wins in Yokohama, just like this time, they suffered an unexpected four-game losing streak. After the win in the first game, he remarked, 'The Japan Series is a format where you can afford to lose three games.' This comment was brought up repeatedly as the losses mounted, and after the series ended, he faced criticism for 'showing too much complacency.'

Of course, there was no room for complacency or overconfidence. His previous comments, which emphasized fighting with his feet firmly on the ground without rushing for victory, had unfortunately taken on a life of their own as a bitter memory. However, having wiped that slate clean this time, there was a clear difference in the commander's choice of words.

For the first time in history, the first three games of the series all went into extra innings. Immediately after securing three consecutive wins, he himself remarked, 'Every game was so close it could have gone either way.' There was absolutely no 'opening' in his conduct, not only during the win interview on the ground but also in his media interactions behind the scenes. He did not hold the usual stationary 'scrum interviews' seen during the regular season, instead opting for 'walking interviews' while heading to the bus or car. There were zero comments that might unintentionally provoke the players or those around him. 'Just win.' He pushed through to the end by repeating that mantra.