Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo attended a pep rally at Softbank Hawks 's headquarters in Takeshiba, Tokyo, on the 13th, and in his speech, revealed that he had sent an encouraging email to outfielder Kensuke Kondo who has been struggling with no hits in 12 At Bat hit for the WBC Japan national team. "I was worried, so I sent him an email. I thought about calling him, but I thought he might not answer, so I sent an email instead. I sent him my last words, 'Go for it, Kensuke,' and he replied, 'I'll do it,' so I don't think there's anything to worry about," he said, sharing his exchange with the talented hitter with approximately 250 employees. Owner Masayoshi Son was absent due to an overseas business trip.

"It was unthinkable that he would go so long without a hit," said the manager, indicating that Kondo's slump was unexpected even for him. "There's room for him to grow from this experience. I don't think he's in a position to think about that right now, though," he added, expressing his hope that Kondo would overcome the pressure and become even stronger.

The players' chairman Ryoya Kurihara infielder also called Japan's representative Shuto to inquire about Kondo's condition. He said, "But I think he'll be fine, just like the coach said," and hoped that the senior player who usually gives him advice on hitting would recover.