Rakuten Eagles Eagles pitcher Kenta Maeda made a surprise visit to the team's merchandise shop on the 13th.

After finishing practice, Kenta Maeda made a surprise visit to the shop. Cheers and murmurs of excitement erupted from the fans inside. He promoted merchandise featuring his own design, "Maeken the Artist," and appealed to the fans, saying, "I've always wanted to visit a merchandise shop, so I came. Please buy my new products. If you bring them to the stadium, I'll sign them anytime if you'd like."

He returned to NPB this season. The previous day, on the 12th, he pitched well in a home game against Orix Buffaloes, allowing only 7 hit 2 runs 7 innings. This was his third win of the season and his 100th career win in NPB.