Seibu Lions ・ Takumi Kuriyama outfielder (42), who announced his retirement at the end of this season, revealed on May 5 his unchanged thoughts on his culminating year.

Seibu Lions The 25-year veteran of a lifetime started the second army camp in Haruno, Kochi this spring. On this day in Kochi, there was no wind, the sun was soft and the noon temperature was 15 degrees Celsius. Paired with his classmate Tsuyoshi Nakamura catch ball, he said, "It's warm. The weather, or rather, the temperature, affects me in some ways." They are practicing vigorously, extending the distance of the ball further than in previous years.

During the free batting practice, he even hit a run over the fence into the right field stands. After the team practice was over, he went alone to the indoor practice field and faced the ball for about an hour.

Kuriyama announced his retirement at the end of this season when his contract was renewed last December. Inside the stadium, a space was set up for fans to write messages along with a timeline showing Kuriyama's career since joining the team. When he returned to the hotel after practice, more than 30 fans lined up for his autograph. On the 8th, he will be holding a talk show in Kochi City with Tsuyoshi Nakamura and Sumitani in front of approximately 350 fans. "I'm looking forward to it. We've never done a talk show with just the three of us before. I wonder what kind of stories the fans want to hear. I wonder what I can talk about so they'll go home satisfied. I hope I can tell stories that will make them happy," he said excitedly. While the mood around him is unusual, Kuriyama himself remains calm, saying, "My feelings haven't changed at all. I just want to prepare well." He continues to focus on the upcoming season, silently swinging his bat.