On the 7th, Nippon-Ham's minor league manager Hichori Morimoto held a press conference at Es Con Field regarding his appointment. Regarding the transition from his role as the first-team outfield defense and base running coach which he held until this season, he gave a cheerful statement of intent, saying, 'The first team and the second team are different. I am prepared for a life completely immersed in baseball on the farm. I want people to come to Kamagaya to see the foundation-building of these shining players, and since it's me, even though I'm called the manager, I won't be able to act like a typical one. I want to liven up Kamagaya so that the players can perform freely and enjoyably.'

Manager Shinjo also attended the press conference. Regarding the appointment of Morimoto as the minor league manager, the commander explained, 'To be honest, I wanted to work together next year too. He has grown as a third base coach, and there were many games we won thanks to Hichori. Even since our playing days, I've always thought about how to help Hichori grow. Now, in order to help him grow further from here, although it makes me feel lonely, I judged that Hichori has immense potential to become a manager. I appointed him as the farm team manager with the feeling of sending off a beloved child. I want him to study to become a first-team manager in the future. That is why I made him the minor league manager.' He entrusted this important post to his prized pupil, whom he has played alongside since their active days, with high expectations for his further growth.

Furthermore, precisely because he knows the second-team manager Morimoto so well, he added with a smile, 'Hichori loves eating out. So, I want him to move around with about two iPads while eating and watching the first-team games. I want him to be that focused on baseball.'

In response to Manager Shinjo's comments, Second-Team Manager Morimoto quipped, 'If we lose too many games in a row, I'm even thinking about a change in first-team management. What the Boss says is absolute, but even the Boss would be replaced if he kept losing. I feel like I need to apply that level of pressure, so I want to keep working while saying exactly what's on my mind.' The two, who share a deep bond of trust, will continue to work together to build the strongest possible team.