◆Exhibition game: Nippon-Ham 3-2 DeNA (18th, Escon Stadium)

Nippon-Ham Fighters catcher Yuya Gunji (28) expressed his hope for the speedy return of team captain Yuki Kiyomiya. Gunji himself hit Home Run in an exhibition game that day, indicating he is on track for the start of the season. After hitting Home Run, he performed the "tea-making pose," which was devised by Kitayama and became a hot topic when Samurai Japan participated in the WBC. "It's a really great idea, typical of Kitayama, and it's also considerate of the sponsors. If it doesn't get done, it might get buried in obscurity, so I think I'll take over and make sure this good idea doesn't disappear," he said, hinting at the possibility of inheriting the "tea-making pose."

Meanwhile, the team also has a "Domire Pose" devised by player representative Yuki Kiyomiya, in keeping with this season's slogan. "Neither of them are really catching on, so I don't know what's going to happen, but I guess we'll have to discuss it with everyone and see what gets everyone excited," he said, racking his brain. However, Yuki Kiyomiya is currently adjusting in the minor leagues, aiming to return from right elbow arthritis. "Our chairman isn't here right now, so walk-off home run down there is irrelevant (laughs). What is he doing? I want him to come back soon. That's something we need to discuss," he said, sharply criticizing Yuki Kiyomiya, who hit walk-off home run in the Eastern League game against Oisix (Kamagaya) that day, and wishing for his speedy recovery.