On October 28, Fukuoka Softbank, who won Game 4 of the "SMBC Japan Series 2026" held at MIZUHO PayPay Dome, was crowned Japan champions for the 13th time and for the second consecutive year. At the victory press conference held after the game, manager Hiroki Kokubo, player Tomoya Masaki, and player Yudai Yamamoto took the stage. Below is the Q&A with manager Hiroki Kokubo.

-- Your honest feelings about becoming Japan champions after winning a fierce battle of three consecutive extra inning games since the opening
"Every game was truly one where we couldn't let our guard down, so I am relieved now. It was a series of games where we didn't know which way it would go, so I'm really exhausted."

-- This year, you were tossed into the air nine times in front of a packed home crowd. What kind of thoughts came to mind?
"It just so happened that due to the schedule, we hadn't had a victory celebration at MIZUHO PayPay Dome, so while I had the desire to do it in front of the fans in Fukuoka, I am deeply moved to have decided it with 4 wins and 0 losses."

-- This year started at the opponent's stadium, and you took a 2-win lead there. Game 3 was capped off by a dramatic home run by Tomoya Masaki; with what thoughts did you approach today's game?
"When I left home, I had a strong determination to decide it today. It was the same for the third game after winning two against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham in the Persol Climax Series Pacific League, but I left home today with a strong desire to decide it all at once, to finish it now."

-- The starter for Game 4 was pitcher Yugo Maeda. With what thoughts did you encourage him?
"He gave up a two-run homer in the first inning, but after that, he corrected himself well and pitched in a way that didn't hand the momentum over. While watching him pitch from the bench with Coach Kurano, we were talking about how 'we couldn't have predicted he would grow enough to pitch in the Japan Series this year.' He also won double-digit games, and next season opposing hitters and clubs will surely study him, so I was watching him thinking it will be a year where his true value is tested."

-- In the 4th inning after allowing the lead, Ryoya Kurihara was given an intentional walk, and Yudai Yamamoto significantly moved the game. What about that scene?
"I don't think it's that easy for a player who joined midway through a trade to have the hitter in front of him walked and then get a hit against his former team, but that brought the momentum all at once. After that, there was Yanagita's game-winning hit, but the atmosphere in the stadium was such that the momentum shifted completely with Yudai's timely hit."

-- In this series, your management, unique to a short-term decisive battle, shone through, including the batting order, pinch hitters, pinch runners, and pitcher usage.
"What I can do is make decisions. If I am hesitating, the players will naturally hesitate too, so it's about firmly executing what has been decided. (Pitcher Yugo Maeda) was one out away from being the winning pitcher, and during the season I naturally would have let him pitch, but being the Japan Series, I chose to play it safe. But I really think the players who responded to their roles are amazing."

-- While The BayStars had strength and momentum, today was also a close game.
"There were people who contacted me every day. There were many comments like 'Watching TV was suspenseful, thrilling, and interesting.' At the very end, the serious battle being fought in Japan was a stage that only our two teams could stand on, so I'm really glad we could play games that moved the fans and made them feel excited and thrilled."

-- This year, I got the impression that you tightened the team's focus especially after winning. What words would you like to say to the players who continued to respond to that sentiment?
"After all, we started the season with the goal of two consecutive Japan Series titles and three consecutive Pacific League championships before that, and I think the players who achieved those goals are truly amazing. Also, the coaching staff and all the staff members who were involved—without their support, we wouldn't have been able to see this view. I am truly full of gratitude."

-- Finally, 15 consecutive wins at home since September. A word to the fans who pushed you forward.
"Not losing at home since the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham game in September is a phenomenal thing. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the fans who truly pushed us forward during the final spurt to the championship, the Climax Series, and this Japan Series. Thank you very much."