Before Rakuten Eagles-Nippon-Ham (Rakuten Eagles Mobile) game, comedian Hidetaka Kano, who hails from Miyagi Prefecture, threw the ceremonial first pitch.

▼ Hidetaka Kano

"I've been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years and have had many different experiences, but even I still get nervous throwing the ceremonial first pitch. It really made me realize how amazing professional baseball players are, playing in front of an audience on all sides. During practice, Hayakawa-san taught me, and since Maeda-san was starter today, we had a strategy meeting to start with the Maeken exercise (laughs). I think we were able to capture the hearts of the audience, so that was good. There are still many games left, so I hope they can win each and every one of them carefully, and I will be cheering with all my might until my voice is hoarse, so good luck to all the players!"