Softbank Hawks ・ Akira Nakamura infielder held a press conference on the 3rd at Mizuho PayPay Dome to announce his retirement from active play. The team’s oldest player, Yuki Yanagita outfielder, also made a surprise appearance after the press conference to present him with a bouquet.

Akira Nakamura joined the team in the third round of the 2007 high school draft, and Yanagita joined in the second round of the 2010 draft. In 2014, Akira Nakamura played in 143 games, while Imamiya and Yanagita played in all games, both setting personal bests for the number of games played, and together they built the consistently winning The Hawks. Yanagita honestly revealed his feelings, saying, "We were together since we lived in the dorms, and we spent a lot of time together, not just baseball. I feel very sad."

Regarding the decision, he commented, "I was surprised that he made the decision so quickly. But I think he probably made the decision without any regrets. I really want to say thank you for all your hard work over the years." Akira Nakamura is currently undergoing adjustments in the minor leagues, but he said, "I think he will improve his condition and play in games in the first team. I want us to cherish this opportunity together," indicating that they will fight together until the very end.