Nippon-Ham Fighters manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) attended the opening special party held in Sapporo on the 3rd and declared his goal of 96 wins in front of approximately 240 people, including representatives from the team's business partners. He participated in a talk show with outfielder and defense base running coach Morimoto and said, "This year we're aiming for 96 wins. I'm serious about this. Really. I'd actually like to say 100 wins, but I'll be modest and say 96 wins. Please look forward to it," which delighted the crowd. He reiterated the number he had set as his goal at the staff meeting in January. He vowed to surpass last season's 83 wins and break the team's record of 87 wins from 2016, the year they last won the championship, and achieve a dominant championship victory.