SMBC Japan Series 2026 Game 4: Softbank Hawks 4-2 DeNA (28th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

The Softbank Hawks defeated DeNA with four consecutive wins to secure their 13th Japan Series title and second in two years. This marks back-to-back Japan Series championships following last year's victory over the Hanshin Tigers with 4 wins and 1 loss. Manager Hiroki Kokubo was tossed into the air nine times during the victory celebration. This is the first time in history a team has won the Japan Series with a perfect 7-0 record throughout the post-season, including the Climax Series. In the championship manager interview, he expressed his joy, saying, 'Since becoming manager, my goal has always been to have the victory celebration here at Mizuho PayPay Dome, and I have finally achieved it in my third year.' Below is the full text of the interview.

—Current feelings

Ever since I became the manager, my goal has been to be tossed in the air in celebration here at Mizuho PayPay Dome, and I have finally achieved it in my third year. Thank you very much.

—What kind of emotions did you feel during the victory toss?

I have always visualized being tossed in the air while looking up at this very ceiling, so that image manifested exactly as I had imagined it.

—For the first time in history, there were three consecutive extra inning games starting from the first match. The nerve-wracking battles continued.

The pitcher group worked very hard, and the batters never gave up. That home run really came at a great moment to change the flow of the baseball game. As for Sugiyama, he finished with one win and three saves. He truly closed things out by appearing in every game.

The starters and relievers both lived up to expectations.

That's right. I believe the cheers from all the fans when Yuki Matsumoto took the mound today provided him with a huge boost. Thank you very much.

—Among the fielders, Masaki, Shoji, Yamakawa, Kawamura, and others met expectations.

Since there have been nothing but dramatic games, regarding today's game, it was Yuudai Yamamoto after the intentional walk. Getting a hit after being intentionally walked against his former team. He is quite something.

—Where did you feel DeNA's strength lay?

No, to be honest, the lineup is good and the level of the pitchers is high. How should I put it, there is absolutely no gap between us, and that is the mindset I had while competing. Since the Central League will introduce the DH starting next year, I think baseball will change completely again. That is what I talked about with Manager Aikawa at the end.

―They have won 15 consecutive games at their home stadium since the match against Nippon-Ham on September 8th.

No, I thought I hadn't lost since around the middle of September, but I didn't realize I had won fifteen games. This is all thanks to the support of the fans. Thank you very much.

—Achieved consecutive championships in Japan

I want to soak in the afterglow for a little while, and then I hope to start working toward next year again.

— A message to the fans

The final game of the 2026 professional baseball season ended today. Thanks to your support, we were able to achieve our second consecutive championship in Japan, and I am now feeling motivated to set new goals and work hard toward next year. To all the fans, thank you so much for this past year.