On the 16th, Rakuten Eagles announced that Shoma Doi, a player from Montedio Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles regular season Seibu Lions Tohoku Series Supported by Daito Kentaku," a series of official first-team games held in various prefectures of the Tohoku region.

Furthermore, Tomoaki Honma of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, who hails from Higashine City, will also make an appearance. In addition, students from Yamagata Kita High School will sing the national anthem, and the Yamagata University Brass Band will provide special support, bringing together local people from Yamagata Prefecture to make this once-a-year match in Yamagata Prefecture a great success.

▼ Shoma Doi

"I'm Shoma Doi from Montedio Yamagata. I'm truly delighted to be given the opportunity to stand on mound for Rakuten Eagles, another professional sports team representing the Tohoku region! I usually control the ball with my feet, but this time I'll pitch all my energy into this right arm, carrying the passionate feelings of everyone in Yamagata and Tohoku. Rakuten Eagles fans and Yamagata supporters, please come and witness the 'play ball'—not a 'kickoff'—on mound!"