On the 2nd, Orix Buffaloes announced that Naniwa Danshi's Joichiro Fujiwara (30) will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the opening game Rakuten Eagles on the 27th (Kyocera Dome). He has been on mound at home opening games since 2022. The idol, who is a self-proclaimed big Orix Buffaloes fan, expressed his joy, saying, "It's the 5th anniversary of Naniwa Danshi's debut, and this is my 5th ceremonial first pitch in 5 years! I feel a connection with the number 5!"

Last season, before pitching, Soya gave him advice to "create a wall with your left hand," and on his fourth attempt, pitch his first strike. The stands erupted, and he set the tone for the team's walk-off win. His favorite infield defense base running coach, Adachi, was catcher on the occasion. In February, he successfully performed at Kyocera for the first time in history for six consecutive days, and on the final day, the 4th, Coach Adachi and Miyagi sent him a surprise video to celebrate his 30th birthday (February 8th). He will be expressing his gratitude on mound.

Last season, he cheered on the team, saying, "Let's work hard as a team to win the league and become number one in Japan," but they were blocked by the two strongest teams, Softbank Hawks and Nippon-Ham, and finished in third place. "Go! Go! We'll pitch with all our might, with the spirit of The Buffaloes!" he said, pouring his passion into pitch and providing a powerful tailwind for the team, which is aiming to regain its dominance for the first time in three years. (Nambu Shunta)