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

Softbank Hawks won their 13th Japan Series title, their second in a row, by sweeping DeNA in four straight games. This marks their second consecutive Japan Series championship, following their 4-1 victory over Hanshin Tigers last year. catcher Yudai Yamamoto, acquired from DeNA in a trade in May, was outstanding with three RBI, including a game-tying two-run triple. They showed their clutch hitting ability by coming from behind in three consecutive games, securing a decisive four-game winning streak.

Below are the main questions and answers from Manager Kokubo after the match:

—Current feelings

Every single match was truly intense and required constant focus, so right now I feel a bit relieved. It was a series of games where I really didn't know which way things would go while playing, so I'm honestly exhausted.

—Tossing the manager in the air in celebration in front of the fans at their home stadium

As I mentioned during the victory interview, although I have been able to win championships since becoming manager, it just so happened that due to the schedule, we never had the chance to do the victory toss at Mizuho PayPay Dome. Having the desire to do it in front of the fans in Fukuoka, winning with four wins and zero losses truly fills me with deep emotion.

What kind of thoughts or feelings did you have going into today's match?

When I left home, I had a strong determination to decide it today. It was the same during the third game after winning two games against Nippon-Ham in the Climax Series. I left home today with a strong desire to settle it all at once, to finish it right now.

- Yu Maeda is starting. With what thoughts did you send him out?

He gave up a two-run homer in the first inning, but after that, he made solid adjustments and delivered a pitch that didn't let the momentum shift to the other side. While watching him on the mound from the bench with Coach Kurano, we talked about how we never expected him to grow enough to be pitching in the Japan Series this year. During the regular season, I naturally would have let him keep going, but this is the Japan Series. I wanted to play it safe and be extra cautious. He won double-digit games, so next season, opposing hitters and other teams will surely be studying him. I was watching him while thinking that next year will be the year his true value is tested.

In the 4th inning, after Kurihara was given an intentional walk, Yamamoto Yu hit a game-tying RBI single.

I don't think it's that easy for a player who joined mid-season via a trade to have the hitter in front of him walked and then get a hit against his former team, but that moment shifted the momentum all at once. After that, there was Yanagita's game-winning hit, but the atmosphere in the stadium felt like the momentum truly swung with Yamamoto Yudai's RBI hit.

It became a series that energized all of Japan.

There were people who contacted me every day. I received many comments saying that watching it on TV was truly suspenseful and exciting. In the very end, we reached a stage where only our two teams could participate in a serious competition held in Japan. I am truly glad that we were able to play a game there that moved the fans and kept them on the edge of their seats.

—Since September, you have won 15 consecutive games at your home stadium to reach the top. A message for the fans?

"You mentioned the Nippon-Ham game in September, didn't you? Since then, not losing at home has been something phenomenal. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the fans who truly pushed us forward until the very end."