On the 2nd, Lotte announced that pitcher Genki Ishigaki attended the graduation ceremony of Takasaki University of Health and Welfare Takasaki High School.

Ishigaki commented through the team, "Going back to school after a long time brought back fond memories, as well as bitter ones. It was a truly wonderful and intense three years. I was able to meet up with my teammates and various other people for the first time in a while and talk about various things, and I received words of encouragement. It reminded me that I too have to work hard in the professional world. I feel in very good shape. From now on, I will go through the process properly and work hard every day, with the goal of pitching well on mound in a real game."