In the “Plus One” voting for the 2026 Mynavi All-Star Game, the following players from Pacific League were selected: Softbank Hawks, Yuki Yanagita, and outfielder (37). This will be his ninth appearance (he declined to participate in 2019 and 2024).

As of the 21st, his stats for this season are .257 batting average, 11 Home Run, and 36 RBI in 77 games. His first comment upon being selected for the All-Star Game for the first time in three years was, "I was surprised." "It's confusing, seriously. I had already made plans," he said, explaining that his family trip during the All-Star break had to be canceled. Nevertheless, he expressed his enthusiasm for winning his fourth MVP award, saying, "Since I'm going, I have to do my best. If possible, I'd like to win an award. I'm going to try to get my cancellation fees back. Professional baseball exists because of the fans, so I'm incredibly grateful."

Central League 's "Plus One" is Hayato Sakamoto, who is the same age as him. "I think he'll come to collect the cancellation fee too. Have you contacted him? I can't really say, but I think we'll probably both be going with the same feelings," he said, viewing him as a rival.