On the 4th, Nippon-Ham infielder Yuki Nomura (25) responded positively to manager Shinjo's plan to challenge second base. He revealed that the manager had contacted him via Instagram DM the day before, and said, "There's no downside for me, so I'll just do it. I think I understand my position, and the right to challenge is free on this team, so I'm grateful and will take it seriously."

On the final day of the first round of spring training in Nago, Okinawa, he also took practice at second base on the sub-ground. As there was no glove for second base available, he was using a glove for third base. "I know it's not easy, and there's a lot to do, so of course there are difficulties other than just playing," he reflected.

"After all, it's at bat that I need to make an impression. I think the position is there to get out there. I think it's better to get out there as much as possible, and if I wasn't the boss, I wouldn't use him like this. I hope I can take it seriously," he said, responding to the manager's expectations.