Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Ryota Itokawa took the mound in a live BP (batting practice similar to a real game) on the 6th.

A right-hander participating in the 2nd and 3rd team camps in Haruno, Kochi. hitter threw a total of about 50 fastballs and sinker to three people, and the hit hit was 8, and the fastest fastball was 142 km/h. "I was able to throw quite well, and I was able to show the form I had practiced well, and I think I was able to take another step at the BP stage." Regarding the good condition, Doi Farm pitcher head coach also said, "It's amazing. The ball speed is around 140 and it doesn't drop, and I can maintain it all the time."

On the 3rd, it was announced that he had been selected as a Samurai Japan support member for the "Lugus Samurai Japan Series 2026 Miyazaki" game against Softbank Hawks on the 22nd and 23rd. During the pitcher-catcher coordination on that day, those around him shouted, "Good job, Japan!" He blushed and said, "They're making fun of me," but he was also enthusiastic, saying, "I want to do what I can without overreaching myself, and there are so many top-class players, so I'll learn from them in many ways and do my best to improve my level and carry that into the season."