◇Tohoku Rakuten Eagles vs Fukuoka Softbank Game 25 (5th, Rakuten Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Fukuoka Softbank's Kensuke Kondo achieved his 1500th game appearance, becoming the 214th player in NPB history to do so. On this day, he started as the "No. 3 DH." Although he was substituted mid-game after going 0-for-2 At Bat and failing to clinch the come-from-behind batting hitter title, the game became official after the bottom of the 5th inning, and a commemorative board was presented to Kensuke Kondo.

Kondo, who joined Hokkaido Nippon-Ham as the 4th draft pick in 2011 from Yokohama High School, made his professional debut on July 4, 2012, in a game against the Orix Buffaloes. In 2016, he experienced a league championship and a Japan Series title. The following year, 2017, he was limited to 57 games due to a lumbar disc herniation, but from 2018 onwards, he played over 100 games for four consecutive years. In 2023, he transferred to Fukuoka Softbank and contributed to the league's three consecutive championships starting from 2024.

Kondo has won numerous titles to date, including League MVP and batting hitter, five Best Nine selections, and four highest on-base percentage titles. In this, his 15th season, he achieved his 1500th career hit on August 27. He appeared in 139 games, recording a .309 batting average (2nd in the league), 108 RBI, and 32 Home Run (tied for 3rd in the league).

Additionally, Fukuoka Softbank is selling merchandise in two designs to commemorate Kensuke Kondo's 1500th game appearance, including visuals that incorporate portraits from his time with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham. The lineup includes standard items such as T-shirts and towels, as well as autographed photo panels. The designs reflect on his career path so far.

◇Kensuke Kondo's Appearance Record
First Appearance: July 4, 2012 vs Orix Buffaloes
1000th Game Appearance: September 11, 2022 vs Saitama Seibu Lions