Before the Lotte-Rakuten Eagles game (Zozo Marine Stadium), Saburo Kawabuchi, Representative Director and Chairman of the Japan Top League Association and Advisor to the Japan Football Association, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Through the team, Mr. Kawabuchi said, "It was the third ceremonial first pitch in three consecutive years, but I set this as my goal and trained my body hard, so I was able to pitch well. I'm close with Manager Saburo by the same name, so I always cheer for him to win at this stadium. When I threw the ceremonial first pitch, I had already won two games in a row, so I hope for The Marines win today as well. I think it's now absolutely necessary for the Japan national soccer team to reach the knockout stage. For that reason, I personally have very high expectations for the players to unite and give their all," he commented.