◆ "LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2026" Japan vs. Chunichi (27th, Vantelin Dome)

Before the game, a video of cheers from former Japanese national team managers who have played in the WBC was shown on the electronic scoreboard at Vantelin Dome.

Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo, who led Samurai Japan in the 4th WBC, was pleased with the tournament's development, saying, "With each tournament, the attention of the Japanese people is growing, and I think it is growing into a tournament that baseball players around the world aspire to."

He then encouraged the Hinomaru nine, saying, "Playing for the national team comes with enormous pressure. I hope you will keep in your hearts the pride and honor of playing for Japan and live up to the expectations of all the Japanese fans. As the defending champions, I hope you will become the world's best in this tournament as well. I'm rooting for you, coach and all the players. Do your best."