Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo commented on the Samurai Japan team's quarterfinal defeat after their game against the DeNA BayStars on the 15th in Yokohama. Having managed the team himself in the 2017 4th World Baseball Classic, where they were eliminated in the semifinals, he deeply understands their disappointment. "It's a disappointing result, but I want them to come back with their heads held high, knowing they fought as representatives of Japan," he said, offering words of encouragement to the Samurai Japan team, which sent four players from his own team: Kensuke Kondo, Ukyo Shuto, Taisei Makihara, and Yuki Matsumoto.

Kondo, who had been in a slump and had been encouraged via email with the message "Go for it, Kensuke," was left out of starting line-up for the second consecutive game and struck out out looking as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning with one out. He finished the tournament with 0 At Bat 13 at-hit and one Walk. "He has only played in three games and had one at-bat, but I think he just needs to switch gears and move forward towards his next goal. Time doesn't stop," said his coach, expressing his hope that Kondo will not hang his head and will continue to play a key role in the team aiming for a third consecutive championship.

Regarding the schedule for the Samurai Japan players to join the team, he said, "The team has said it will be from the 19th, but we are currently making arrangements to see what to do if the players themselves want to join earlier. We want to consider what is best for the organization."