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

The Softbank Hawks players, who were crowned champions of Japan for the second consecutive year, held a beer-soaking celebration inside Mizuho PayPay Dome. Following speeches from Manager Kokubo and others, it was expected to start with a spirited shout from the players' association chairman, infielder Ryoya Kurihara... but instead, he unexpectedly offered an apology.

In this series, both Kondo, batting third, and Kurihara, batting fourth, had no Home Runs and no RBI. The player representative who called Kondo over bowed his head and said, 'Manager, I am sorry that the third and fourth hitters had no home run and no RBI in this series!' When he continued with 'But we still won four straight!', the venue erupted in excitement. The celebratory beer shower began with a spirited toast.