On the 20th, Rakuten Eagles announced that entertainer Mieharu, who has publicly shared his experience with hypopharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer, will throw out the first pitch at the "Rakuten Eagles Medical Head and Neck Cancer Recovery Day" to be held during the game against Lotte on May 23rd.

▼ Mieharu

"Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 hypopharyngeal cancer, but thanks to recent advances in cancer treatment and the support and encouragement of many people, I am now healthy and able to live a normal life. I decided to participate in this event because I wanted to show everyone how I am now. Even though treatment methods have advanced, it is still best to detect and treat cancer as early as possible. The head and neck are areas that can be examined relatively easily at ENT clinics and other medical facilities. I hope that this will encourage people to take an interest in cancer and get screened. The year Rakuten Eagles were founded, my program for the six Tohoku prefectures also started here in Sendai. Because of that connection, I have come to the stadium many times and cheered on The Eagles from the stands. I am delighted to be able to throw the first pitch from mound I watched from, and I will do my best!"