Softbank Hawks and Ryoya Kurihara infielder who are participating in the Miyazaki camp decided to try catcher again on the 16th, and from the first day, they did the full menu of catcher including special guarding.

After putting on his protective gear and finishing catch ball in the morning, he participated in a nageuchi renrenshi. After that, he received Ozeki's pitch at bullpen and also received blocking and throw practice special defense at sub ground. bullpen He had not played catcher since wearing the mask for three games in 2009, but "my body remembers it," he said, and he and the other catcher team members were able to play special defense without any discomfort. He looked satisfied with his performance, saying, "It's not a game. It's serious," he said with a satisfied look on his face.

Kurihara joined the team in 2014 as catcher, selected in the second round of the draft. From 2020, he mainly played outfield, and from 2023, third base became his primary position.