On October 9, a pre-game press conference for the "2026 PERSOL Climax Series P" was held. At the conference, Seibu Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi and player representative Shuta Tonosaki, along with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo and player representative Kotaro Kiyomiya, took the stage. They shared their enthusiasm for the series.

This season's matchups are even at 12 wins, 12 losses, and 1 draw. The starting pitchers for the first game will be Kaima Taira and Kohei Arihara.

When asked what he expects from the team, Manager Shinjo mentioned Kotaro Kiyomiya's name, saying with a joke, "He hasn't hit (pitcher Taira, who is expected to start tomorrow) at all. However, since he has good compatibility at this stadium (.333 batting average), I want to have high expectations." Kiyomiya responded with a smile, "I have the impression that (the Seibu Lions) are difficult to fight against. I hope I can break them down with my inherent 'compatibility'."

On the other hand, Manager Nishiguchi said, "The key for our team is how well the batting lineup connects, so I'm going to have the players do their best. Against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, we are even with 12 wins, 12 losses, and 1 draw, and although we are losing at home (4 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw), I want to somehow keep winning," expressing his hope for a "breakthrough." Tonosaki said enthusiastically, "The right to play in the Persol CS Pa was won by the entire team connecting through 143 regular season games. In this short-term decisive battle, just like the season, I want the whole team to go all out to win."

The announced starters were pitcher Kaima Taira and pitcher Kohei Arihara, as declared by their respective managers. Manager Shinjo revealed the reason, saying, "The original Arihara-kun returned after having him adjust in the farm team once. He has good compatibility at this stadium and is used to this kind of stage," and added a warning, "I think we can win if the player chairman (Kiyomiya) doesn't make an error." Manager Nishiguchi gave his seal of approval to pitcher Taira, saying, "Above all, he has outstanding stability and is a pitcher I can rely on with peace of mind."

Their impression of each other is "eerie." Who are the key players designated by both managers?

Regarding the team's current state, Manager Shinjo said, "The fielder 's performance is decent, pitcher 's the same as during the season, and since Arihara hasn't pitched, I don't know." Manager Nishiguchi also said, "We're just as always, nothing has really changed," to which Manager Shinjo retorted, "This calmness is what makes me scary." Both managers said, "walk-off 'The poker face that doesn't celebrate even when they win' is incredibly creepy" (Manager Shinjo), and "I have no idea what they'll do or what they'll pull up at all" (Manager Nishiguchi), saying their image of each other is "creepy."

Regarding key players, Coach Shinjo has often named Yuki Kiyomiya, but also mentions two players: "Shibata, whom he debuted as Reyes and fielder." Leo Shibata Expectations for the players, saying, "Their strength is that they lack data." Manager Nishiguchi pointed to Canario, who has often batted leadoff this season, saying, "If Canario hits it, the team's morale will rise dramatically," and warned, "If Kiyomiya hits, the other might get on the ball."

Regarding the Belluna Dome that will be the stage for the battle, Yuki Kiyomiya said, "During the season, I confidently said, 'I'm not coming back.......' I'm back. It's a stadium I used to watch when I was little, and even when fighting, the cheering echoes everywhere. I always think it's a stadium that stirs the baseball heart. I hope you enjoy playing the last Belluna Dome of the year," he shared.

On the other hand, Tonozaki claimed second place with two games remaining and said about the stadium being held at home, saying, "The fans' cheers are an advantage. It's reassuring, and I want to fight with gratitude." He also commented on the fighting style unique to a short-term decisive match, saying, "From a player's perspective, I think they get nervous. Even when things don't go well, it's important to stay calm and create an atmosphere inside the bench that doesn't panic too much." "I want to read the flow and stay calm, passionate, and energetic."

Additionally, Persol Holdings Co., Ltd., the sponsor of the Climax Series Pa League, held a campaign called the "Persol Award," where fans voted to determine the player who contributed the most "Pa-nai" performances during the series. For details, please visit the official Persol X account.