◇Saitama Seibu Lions announces details for its new major summer event, "Aofes 2026," including a lineup of special guests.

Saitama Seibu Lions has released details about their new major summer event, "Aofes 2026," which will be held at Belluna Dome from July 31st (Friday) to August 26th (Wednesday).

The "The Lions Splash Seats [Left Field]," seats where fans can enjoy a water-spraying spectacle during The Lions scoring plays and inning events, will be available again this year. Following last year's successful launch where all seats sold out, the number of seats has been increased by approximately 200 this year. They will be on sale for nine games until August 16th (Sunday). The "Splash Stage," where fans can get soaked with Leo, Raina, and the team's official performers, bluelegends, will also be held on the same dates before the games.

Additionally, a "ball-shaped handy fan" will be distributed to all attendees at the game against Fukuoka Softbank on August 8th (Saturday), and a "mesh hat (with sunshade)" will be distributed at the game against Chiba Lotte Marines on August 15th (Saturday). On four days, August 2nd (Sunday), 9th (Sunday), 14th (Friday), and 16th (Sunday), a blue "Kids Cooling T-shirt (2 types)" with a cool and comfortable feel will be distributed exclusively to elementary school children and younger.

Furthermore, after the games on Saturday the 1st, Saturday the 8th, and Sunday the 9th, a special light event called "AOFUL SHOW" will be held, where fans can enjoy the stadium bathed in blue light and music. In addition, female singer-songwriter miwa will be performing at the game Orix Buffaloes on Sunday the 2nd, artist SEAMO will be performing at the game against Chiba Lotte Marines on Saturday the 15th, and the hip-hop group HOME MADE Kazoku, who sing Takeya Nakamura 's entrance song "Mukaikaze," will be performing at the game on Sunday the 16th, livening up the stadium with ceremonial pitches before the games and special live performances after the games.

For further details and ticket sales information, please visit the "Aofes 2026" special website.

▼Comment from player Natsuo Takizawa ▼
"Since I was born in August, I want to do my best with the feeling that I'll shine during the summer. Just like how lots of water gets sprayed onto the splash seats, I want to hit home run at Belluna Dome! I look forward to seeing you all there!"

◇Tohoku Rakuten Eagles, July 4: Hidetaka Kano, a native of Miyagi Prefecture, appeared to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Rakuten Eagles have announced that comedian Hidetaka Kano, a native of Miyagi Prefecture, will throw the ceremonial first pitch at their game against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on Saturday, July 4th. This will be Kano's fourth consecutive appearance since 2023. In addition to the ceremonial first pitch, he is also scheduled to appear on stage before the game and at events between inning.

▼Profile of Eiko Kano▼
Born on February 22, 1982, in Miyagi Prefecture, he debuted in 2003. With long hair, a white suit, and a red rose pinned to his chest, he has a host-like appearance and plays roles such as a driving school instructor or a ramen shop owner, persistently appealing to his "good looks" with lines like, "You, learner's license. I'm a good-looking guy!" and "What would you like? Ramen? Tsukemen? I'm a good-looking guy!" His extraordinary good looks have led many women to feel not just "cool" but "creepy." Perhaps out of morbid curiosity, he's been dubbed "creepy-cool" and has captured the hearts of women!

▼Kano's comment▼
"I'm happy to be participating again this time! I'm looking forward to this day, where I can enjoy cheering with The Eagles fans more than ever! In addition, I'll be making appearances at various events throughout the game. I hope that the excitement and enthusiasm we all share will reach the players and give them strength! Let's cheer on Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles together as they aim for win!"