Rakuten Eagles announced on the 26th that Takumi Masuko of the Fukushima Firebonds and Haruna Kawabata of the Denso Airybees will be making a ceremonial first pitch appearance before their game against Lotte on July 1st, which will be held in Fukushima Prefecture.
The event will be held as the "Fukushima Nissan Fukuni Charge Nighter." On that day, in addition to appearing on the ceremonial first pitch, there will be a performance of the national anthem by a specially formed group from Koriyama Women's University Junior College and Koriyama Women's University Affiliated High School, and a special cheer performance by the Fukushima Prefectural Koriyama Commercial High School Orchestra (brass section).
Furthermore, this season as well, fireworks were held during the inning after the bottom of the 5th inning. In addition to fireworks, many events themed around festivals are held. inning On the day, 200 children of junior high school age or younger will be recruited to participate in the interplay event 'Spin! Spinning Time ~Festival Ver.~'.
In addition, there will be plenty of fun events, including a "welcome high-five" where players will greet fans when the venue opens, limited-edition goods for the Tohoku series, and Rakuten Eagles food produced by players that is also popular at Rakuten Mobile's Saikyo Park Miyagi.
▼ Takumi Mashiko
"It is a great honor to stand on mound for Rakuten Eagles, who are also based in Tohoku! Last season, I had the opportunity to throw the first pitch for the Fukushima Red Hopes, but I had to decline due to my own physical condition, so this time I will be putting all my energy into it! The Fukushima Firebonds will also be starting their 26-27 season in September. I will do my best to liven up Fukushima and Tohoku even more, so please cheer us on!"
▼ Haruna Kawabata
"I am so happy to have been given such a wonderful opportunity! It will be my first ceremonial pitch in a venue larger than a volleyball court, so I am very nervous, but I will throw it with all my might! Denso Airybees will also have league matches starting in October, and we will do our best to liven up the Tohoku region through sports, so please support us!"
