The Softbank Hawks announced on the 9th that outfielder Yuto Kawamura underwent right ankle joint cleaning surgery and lateral ligament suture surgery at a hospital in Kurume City, Fukuoka, due to right ankle arthritis.

This season, he appeared in a career-high 103 regular-season games, primarily as a pinch runner and for defense. In the Japan Series against DeNA, he hit the game-winning home run in the top of the 10th extra inning during Game 2 on October 25th at Yokohama, when the score was tied 3-3. He contributed significantly to the three consecutive Pacific League titles and back-to-back Japan Series championships. He continued to play while managing his ankle condition, wrapping it with tape every day.

Considering the possibility of lingering discomfort in the future, the decision to undergo surgery was made after listening to the opinions of many people. The recovery period for returning to competition is expected to be three to four months.