Nippon-Ham infielder Kotaro Kiyomiya (27) announced on the 14th the new members of the idol unit 'Kiyomiya Friends,' who will perform at the fan appreciation event 'F FES' to be held at Es Con Field on the 21st. The unit consists of three players from the same school year—Kotaro Kiyomiya, Kitayama, and Yamamoto—performing songs and dances in drag. With Kikuchi, who is also from the same school year, joining from The Giants this season, he hinted at a surprise, saying, 'Look forward to the members. Just wait and see.'

This year, a collaboration is planned with Saya Kanagawa and Haruka Kuromi of Nogizaka46. Expressing gratitude by saying, "I want to show my appreciation for how much they energized the Pacific League this year," the speaker looked forward to performing with the two, who are also active as members of the Nogizaka baseball Club.

On this day, he spent about three hours swinging the bat, focusing on batting practice at the minor league facility in Kamagaya, Chiba. He also began practicing choreography during the fall camp in late October, remarking, 'It's quite a challenge, but I hope to have fun with it.' This entertainer from Shinjo's Ham squad is set to delight fans with his dancing as well. (Haruki Kawakami)