On the 2nd, Orix Buffaloes announced that Joichiro Fujiwara (30) of Naniwa Danshi will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the opening game Rakuten Eagles on the 27th (Kyocera Dome). He has been on mound for the home opening game since 2022. The idol, who openly declares himself a big Orix Buffaloes fan, expressed his joy, saying, "It's the 5th anniversary of Naniwa Danshi's debut, and it's my 5th consecutive year throwing out the first pitch! I feel a connection to the number 5!"

Last season, before taking the plate, Soya gave him the advice to "build a wall with your left hand," the first strike pitch in his fourth attempt. He excited the stands and brought the team's walk-off win flow. At this time, it was Coach Adachi infield defense base running who played the catcher role of "guesser." In February, the team succeeded in performing at Kyocera for six consecutive days for the first time ever, and on the last day, February 4, Coach Adachi and also Miyagi celebrated his 30th birthday (February 8) in a big way with a surprise video from the team. We express our gratitude to them at mound.

Last season, he encouraged the team to "work together as one to aim for the league championship and the best in Japan," but they were thwarted by the two powerhouses, Softbank Hawks and Nippon-Ham, and finished in third place. "I'll pitch it my all with the spirit of GO! GO! The Buffaloes!" he declared, pouring his passionate feelings into pitch and sending a tremendous tailwind to the team as they aim to reclaim the championship for the first time in three years. (Shunta Nanbu)