◆Mynavi All-Star Game 2026 (July 28th at Tokyo Dome, July 29th at Toyama)

The results of the player vote were announced on the 9th, and three players were selected from Softbank Hawks: Kensuke Kondo, outfielder, Ukyo Shuto, outfielder, and Ryoya Kurihara, infielder.Shuto and Kurihara had also been selected in the fan vote announced on the 7th. Kondo, selected for the All-Star Game for the seventh time since 2024, said, “We all Central League represent pitcher. I want to step up to the plate as many times as possible and enjoy hitting some good pitches,” expressing his eagerness to face the pitcher.

Kondo won home run Derby in 2024, and in the second game (Jingu Stadium), he also recorded five hit in a single All-Star game, becoming only the third player in history to do so. Kurihara, who currently leads both leagues with 24 Home Run this season, promised to back him up, saying, "I want to be pitcher in home run Derby. Kondo will be hitting, so I want to pitch well." Kurihara himself humbly said, "I want to support him from behind the scenes, while the fans create a great atmosphere," but expectations are high for one of the league's best hitters to unleash his power.

Shuto declared that he would like to try to replicate the excellent base running he showed in the game against Lotte on May 10th (at Mizuho PayPay defense), saying, "If I can steal home." He also expressed his desire to try pitcher, saying, "I want to play eight positions other than catcher."

Kurihara, who hails from Fukui, said, "Since it's close to my hometown, I hope many of my friends and acquaintances will come. I'm looking forward to it," showing his enthusiasm for the second game, which will be held in Toyama for the first time in 30 years. Not to be outdone by Shuto, he also rotated his shoulders and said, "This year, I hope to be able to play eight positions other than right field."