On October 13, a press conference was held the day before the '2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pa'. Fukuoka Softbank manager Hiroki Kokubo and player representative Ryoya Kurihara took the stage and spoke about their enthusiasm.

The opponent for the third consecutive year is Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, and both sides know each other inside out.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham advanced through the first baseman stage with 2 wins and 1 loss, and Fukuoka Softbank will face them for the third consecutive year. Regarding this, Manager Kokubo said, "It's a battle of tactical maneuvering, and a fight where Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo and I know each other inside out. I'm excited about those aspects as well." Regarding "Shinjo's tactics," he tightened his focus, saying, "I've told the players and coaching staff not to be surprised by whatever comes, and if we get shaken by it, we lose. It's important not to get flustered."

Since Manager Kokubo took office, Fukuoka Softbank has secured a spot in the Japan Series for two consecutive years. When asked about his tactics for short-term series, he replied, "My philosophy is to emphasize the flow of the game. That won't change even in the Climax Series, and since the regret of not acting is greater than the regret of acting, I want to make sure I can make firm decisions." Regarding the fact that the advantage becomes larger starting this season, he commented calmly, "We just need to get 3 wins anyway."

"Tightening my focus once again" - Player Representative Ryoya Kurihara expresses his enthusiasm

"He has won two batting titles and has become a mainstay of The Hawks," said Manager Kokubo, giving high praise to Kurihara, who expressed his rising excitement before the decisive battle, saying, "Right now, I think excitement is my strongest feeling, and I'm really looking forward to it."

When asked about the difference this season, having taken office as the player association president, he said, "Nothing has particularly changed. What we need to do is no different from during the regular season, so I want to focus on fighting the single game right in front of us." Regarding the opponent being decided as Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, he showed his enthusiasm, saying, "I don't think it will be an easy fight regardless of who comes, but I want to tighten my focus once again as we go into it."

The showdown begins tomorrow at the home stadium, MIZUHO PayPay Dome. Kurihara concluded by expressing his determination to break through the Persol CS P for the third consecutive year, saying, "Being able to play at home is a plus for the players, and the power of the fans is very significant, so I want to fight while turning their cheers into my strength."

Additionally, Persol Holdings Co., Ltd., a sponsor of the Climax Series P, is running a campaign to determine the player who performed the most "Pa-nai" (incredible) work during the series as the "Persol Award" through fan voting. For details, please check the Persol Official X.