Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo (55), who secured the championship for the second consecutive year, issued a rallying cry for next season as early as the 29th. Just a few hours after being tossed in the air in celebration on the 28th, and after finishing television appearances past midnight, he left a powerful message for the young Hawks who made great strides: 'I think this year was fun. Next year won't just be fun; you will enter the world of true professional baseball. I will be judging whether you are the real deal.'

Masaki hit 28 Home Runs and was named MVP of the Japan Series. Shoji shone as the MVP of the CS. Among the pitchers, both Haru Matsumoto and Yu Maeda recorded 12 wins. 'You become a full-fledged player after maintaining similar results for about three years. Next year is the second year. It will be a turning point,' said the manager, pushing the players who emerged this season and supported the team's victory as Japan's number one.

Masaki, Shoji, and Go Suzuki participated in the Asia Professional baseball Championship in November. He personally sent them off, saying, 'Go there with the mindset of leading the Japanese national team.' The goals of winning four consecutive league titles and three consecutive national championships are a given. 'The ultimate goal of the organization is to be the best in the world. The objectives to reach that goal are winning the league and becoming the best in Japan. We will build upon those.' The lingering excitement of reaching the top was quickly put aside. (Osamu Ando)