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, Tomoya Masaki, and Yudai Yamamoto took the stage. The following is a Q&A with Yudai Yamamoto.

--First of all, frankly, how do you feel right now?
"I have spent a year that I could not have imagined when I joined this year, so I am full of gratitude."

--In the 4th inning, there was an intentional walk, and your former team, The BayStars, chose to face you. What was your state of mind at that time?
"Since Kurihara (Ryoya)-san was right in front of me, I was preparing myself thinking that might happen. When I got the hit, I was so excited that I shouted, so my throat hurts a little, but I was very happy."

--On third base, you made a big fist pump with both hands.
"While I had various personal feelings, I wanted to contribute to the team becoming the champions of Japan. I was very happy that I was able to get a result there."

--The conclusion of a turbulent year was a battle against your former team. What kind of year has it been?
"I felt a great sense of fate, and within that, I had a strong determination to definitely win through. (The opponents) were all former teammates, but I didn't exactly harden my heart, I just thought only about us winning and The Hawks winning. I felt that I was able to grow through that, and I think it was very good."

--What was the key point in this series, or the match that left an impression on you?
"Game 2, where Tsutsugo (Yoshitomo)-san hit a three-run home run off us. In that game, Yamakawa (Hotaka)-san hit a (tying) home run, and in the end, Kawamura (Yuto) won it for us. In a situation where a home run was the one thing that had to be avoided, I felt it was my own mistake in pitch calling, and since we won despite that, it was a moment that really saved me."

--Today at MIZUHO PayPay Dome, and fans across the country were paying attention to you.
"I never imagined there would be a series where I would get this much attention, but the fans in Fukuoka and the fans in Yokohama both gave such passionate cheers, so I'm most happy that I could show them I'm doing well."

--Please give us some encouraging words that make us look forward to baseball next season and beyond.
"That's difficult (laughs). The stage of professional baseball is the pinnacle of Japanese baseball, and with people aiming for that, the fact that games like this (the Japan Series) are in focus is the real thrill of Japanese baseball. I will practice hard this off-season so that I can stand there again next year. I want to conclude this year by pledging to spend wonderful days together with the children who watched today and all the baseball fans, looking forward to next season, so that we can meet again with good faces at the opening game and be seen on TV. Thank you for your support."