Takumi Kuriyama, an outfielder in his 25th year who has spent his entire career with the Seibu Lions, held a retirement press conference in Tokyo on the 30th. More than 600 members of Kuriyama's fan club also gathered at the venue.

Kuriyama joined the team in the fourth round of the 2001 draft from Hyogo's Ikuei High School. He made his professional debut on September 24, 2004, against Kintetsu (at Osaka Dome). In the offseason of 2016, he exercised his overseas free agency rights but remained with the team. In 2020, he again acquired overseas free agency rights but decided to stay, saying, "I want to continue wearing this jersey in the years to come and do my best to make the fans happy." On September 4, 2021, he achieved 2000 career hit, becoming the first homegrown player in the team's history to do so. In November 2025, during contract negotiations, he announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season. In his 25th professional season this year, he appeared in 10 games, batting .111 with 1 hit. He had no RBI or Home Run.

The game against the Rakuten Eagles (Belluna Dome) starting at 5:00 PM will be held as Kuriyama's retirement game. A ceremony is also scheduled after the game, where he will wear his familiar uniform and show his final heroic appearance to the home fans.

Takumi Kuriyama. Born September 3, 1983, in Hyogo Prefecture. 42 years old. Joined the Seibu Lions from Ikuei as the 4th round draft pick in 2001. First appearance was on September 24, 2004, against Kintetsu. Achieved 2,000 hit in 2021. Four-time Best Nine, one-time Golden Glove winner. Stats as of August 29: 2,322 games played, 2,151 hit, 128 Home Run, 3,001 total bases, 914 RBI, 1,052 Walk. Career batting average is .277. 177 cm, 85 kg. Throws right, bats left.